TalkSPORT host Adrian Durham has ignited debate by claiming that Declan Rice should consider forcing a summer exit from Arsenal if he isn’t offered a contract on par with his England teammate Bukayo Saka — who recently became the club’s highest-paid player with a deal reportedly in excess of £300,000 per week.
Durham labelled Saka’s extension an “insult” to Rice’s contributions, arguing that the midfielder’s consistency, leadership and intensity ought to be reflected financially — and that a refusal could justify a move elsewhere.
‘Rice gives everything every game,’ Durham said on the talkSPORT Daily podcast. He’s always available, he covers every blade of grass, he never rolls around pretending to be injured, he’s the heartbeat he team, he’s more of a captain than [Martin] Odegaard will ever be. And yet, he’s just heard that news that Saka has become the highest paid player at the football club.
‘He must be fuming. In one stroke, Declan Rice’s commitment and quality has been totally disrespected. So, I see giving Saka a fat, new contract as an insult to Declan Rice.
‘Making [Saka] the highest paid player just absolutely sticks the knife in and if I was Declan Rice’s agent, I’m pinning Arteta up against the wall, asking what’s going on.
‘I’m advising him to demand a new improved contract, and if ARSENAL can’t deliver that, force a move out of the club in the summer and go somewhere that’s going to respect Declan Rice’s talents.
‘Saka deserves it, I have no problem with Bukayo Saka at all. I’m an England fan, I love Bukayo Saka. I look at it and think to myself there are number of clubs across Europe who would happily take Declan Rice, they’d pay a lot of money for Declan Rice, they’d pay him a lot of money as well, he’s in a very strong position.
‘If I was Declan Rice I would feel insulted that I’m not the highest paid player at the football club. I don’t think he’s that kind of guy but it’s got to niggle at him deep down.’
Should Rice Leave Arsenal If he does not get the same Terms as Saka?
There’s undeniable merit to the argument that Rice is one of *ARSENAL*’s most indispensable performers this season. Since his £105 million move from West Ham United in 2023, he has anchored the midfield with industry, tactical intelligence and leadership, helping the Gunners to sustain a title bid amid some slip-ups.
Teammates — including Saka himself — have praised Rice’s influence both on and off the pitch, underscoring his value beyond mere statistics.
However, calling for a forced exit over wage hierarchy risks misreading Rice’s current standing. Contract negotiations are reportedly imminent, with Arsenal ready to open formal talks over fresh terms that reflect Rice’s importance to Mikel Arteta’s project.
In an ideal world, Rice would be rewarded proportionately to his impact — and equal standing with Saka would send a clear statement of ambition. Yet football’s financial realities and balance sheets sometimes shape differing reward structures.
If *ARSENAL*’s proposal falls short, Rice will need to weigh loyalty and stability against the rare opportunity to test himself elsewhere at the peak of his powers. A forced move would be dramatic — but not necessarily in his best strategic interests if the club’s long-term vision continues to align with his own.
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