Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 17 Nov 2025 17:32 GMT
4 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal
© IMAGO
Fabrizio Romano does not foresee any complications during Arsenal's contract talks with Declan Rice, but there is a catch.
The Gunners are hard at work tying their key stars down to new long-term contracts after establishing themselves as the firm favourites for this season's Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta is aiming to build a dynasty in North London and is rewarding his top performers with fresh terms. The likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly have recently signed extensions, while Leandro Trossard and David Raya have had their wages improved.
The current priorities for the Gunners are new contracts for Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber. The former is said to be in line for a 'record-breaking' pay rise, and a full agreement is believed only to be a matter of time.
The same goes for Timber, who is set to be rewarded with improved terms after developing into arguably the best right-back in Europe this season. He, too, is expected to put pen to paper shortly.
Romano: Rice deal expected - but it may take a while
Further down the line, Arsenal also want to tie superstar midfielder Declan Rice down to a new contract. Briefly the most expensive player in British football history when he joined for €116 million in 2023, the England star has certainly lived up to his hefty price tag.
Rice is still signed to Arsenal until 2028, so they are not in a rush to start discussions with him. However, his new deal is a notable item on the agenda once the contracts for Saka and Timber are under wraps.
Declan Rice
© IMAGO - Declan Rice
According to Fabrizio Romano, talks with Rice are expected to go smoothly once they start - as they have done with most players so far - but the transfer insider does not foresee an imminent resolution.
“Yes, there’s a very good connection and feeling between them," Romano told GIVEMESPORT." I expect new deal talks to take some time, but no issues at all.”
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