Arsenal are reportedly edging closer to securing Declan Rice’s long-term future, with discussions over a new contract expected to become more intense during the September international break.
According to FootballTransfers, the Gunners are working through several details of a fresh agreement for the England midfielder. While Rice already has a contract with Arsenal until 2028, the club reportedly wants to offer improved terms rather than simply relying on an existing extension option.
The proposed deal could keep Rice at the Emirates until at least 2031 and would reportedly include a significant increase in his weekly salary.
For Arsenal, the move would represent another step in their efforts to secure the core of Mikel Arteta’s squad for the long term.
Arsenal Prepare New Deal for Declan Rice
Rice remains under contract with Arsenal until 2028, while the club also reportedly has an option to extend the agreement by another year.
However, Arsenal are said to be interested in putting a completely new contract on the table.
FootballTransfers reports that the proposed agreement would run for five years. If completed, the deal could keep Rice at Arsenal until 2031, when he would be 32 years old.
The reported proposal would also significantly improve his financial terms.
Rice is expected to earn around £280,000 per week if the new agreement is completed, according to FootballTransfers.
The potential contract therefore represents more than simply extending his current deal. It would reflect the midfielder’s importance to Arsenal and his position within the club’s long-term plans.
Declan Rice Remains Central to Arsenal’s Plans
Since joining Arsenal, Rice has developed into an important part of the team.
His importance is also reflected in the workload he has carried at both club and international level.
Rice made 69 appearances for Arsenal and England during the previous season. Despite dealing with injury problems during the campaign, he continued to feature regularly.
He then remained involved throughout England’s journey at the 2026 World Cup.
That demanding schedule has made workload management an important consideration surrounding the midfielder.
Rice subsequently withdrew from England’s squad for the Nations League fixtures, with his absence reportedly linked to efforts to manage his workload following an exceptionally busy season.
For Arsenal, protecting Rice’s availability could be important as the club continues competing across multiple fronts.
International Break Could Accelerate Negotiations
The September international break could provide an important opportunity for Arsenal to make progress on Rice’s new contract.
FootballTransfers reports that discussions are expected to become more intensive during this period, with the club working to finalize several aspects of the proposed agreement.
The timing is also significant because Arsenal are simultaneously working on the futures of several other key players.
According to previous reports from TEAMtalk, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber are also among those who could be involved in future contract discussions.
All three players currently have agreements that run until 2028.
That gives Arsenal a clear reason to begin planning ahead rather than waiting until the final stages of their existing contracts.
Arsenal Want to Keep Their Core Together
The potential Rice extension is part of a broader effort by Arsenal to maintain continuity within Arteta’s squad.
Artetahimself recently signed a contract extension, providing further stability at the managerial level.
The club’s reported approach suggests that Arsenal want to preserve the group that has been central to their recent success.
Rice is one of the players considered important to that strategy.
Sky Sports has also reported that the midfielder is prepared to continue his career with Arsenal on a long-term basis.
If a new agreement is completed, it would remove much of the uncertainty surrounding his future and allow both the player and club to focus on their sporting ambitions.
Ben White Also on Arsenal’s Contract Agenda
Rice is not the only important player whose future could become part of Arsenal’s discussions.
FootballTransfers has reported that the club could also discuss a new contract with Ben White.
White still has two years remaining on his current agreement, although he is currently unavailable because of a hamstring injury.
His situation adds another layer to Arsenal’s wider squad planning.
The club must balance its immediate objectives with the need to ensure that important players remain tied to the project for the years ahead.
Arsenal’s reported contract priorities include:
- Securing Declan Rice on improved long-term terms.
- Continuing discussions over other key players.
- Maintaining stability around Mikel Arteta’s squad.
- Managing player workloads after demanding seasons.
- Planning ahead before existing contracts enter their final stages.
A Significant Commitment to Declan Rice
A five-year contract would represent a significant commitment from Arsenal.
Rice arrived as an important addition to the squad and has since become a central figure in the team. A potential agreement until 2031 would underline the club’s intention to keep him at the Emirates for much of his prime and into the later stages of his career.
The reported £280,000-a-week salary would also place him among Arsenal’s highest earners if the figure is ultimately included in the final agreement.
However, several details still need to be finalized before any new contract can be considered complete.
For now, Arsenal’s focus appears to be on securing Rice’s future while also managing negotiations with other members of the squad.
Arsenal Look to Secure Their Long-Term Future
The reported progress over Declan Rice’s contract comes at an important stage for Arsenal.
With the club seeking to remain competitive at the top level, maintaining continuity could become increasingly important.
Rice remains under contract until 2028, so Arsenal are not facing an immediate contractual deadline. Instead, the proposed extension would give the club greater certainty while rewarding a player who has become a key part of Arteta’s plans.
The September international break could therefore prove significant for Arsenal’s contract strategy.
If negotiations continue to move forward, Declan Rice could soon be tied to the club until 2031, strengthening Arsenal’s plans to keep their core squad together for the long term.
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