Big news is coming in from the Arsenal camp. Leader and one of the best midfielders in the world, Declan Rice is very close to signing a new contract at Arsenal. As Arsenal continue to have a great season in all competitions, securing Declan Rice for the future will be a blockbuster news for the club and sporting director Andrea Berta.
Andrea Berta and the Declan Rice contract
Andrea Berta was appointed Arsenal‘s sporting director in early 2025. Since his appointment, Arsenal have had great progress as a club. The signings they have managed to secure and the way they have moved forward as a club has been stupendous to watch. The fans must be extremely happy with how Andrea Berta has operated as the sporting director so far. Moving forward, he is set to become an even more fan-favorite, as he is reportedly close to securing Declan Rice for the future.
Contract talks with Declan Rice has been going on for a few months now. The Gunners will look to make sure Declan Rice spends his future and majority of his career at Arsenal. This is because the English international is now nearing his prime. The next few years is going to be the years in which the 27-year-old will peak in his game. Furthermore, it is no doubt that Rice is one of the best midfielders in the world. He is also a leader in the dressing room and a player who controls the game for Arsenal.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Arsenal are set to begin talks with Declan Rice over a new long-term contract before next season.
The North London club want to secure the future of one of their key players as early as possible.
(@GraemeBailey) pic.twitter.com/dycsJxXSA6
— MatchDay Central (@MatchDCentral) February 23, 2026
Declan Rice this season
There is a very good reason Arsenal are doing well this season. And they are doing extremely well despite their attacking players barely clicking. Majority of the credits will and should go to Declan Rice. He is extremely potent when the team moves forward and he also manages to be a brick at the back when the team requires him to defend. He is the perfect midfielder that every football fan and coach dreams about.
Rice is having his best season in an Arsenal shirt this season. With 4 goals and 8 assists, this season has been an extremely productive outing for the former West Ham player. Ever since he made the move to Arsenal from West Ham in July 2023, Rice has completely transformed this Arsenal side. From being a struggling mid table club, Arsenal have become regular title challengers. And most of the credit for that transformation should go to Rice for the way he has contributed consistently. Arsenal’s way of playing football has also improved significantly.
If Arsenal manage to secure Declan Rice for another 5 years, the future of their midfield would also be in a very safe space for another 5 years. It will also instill a lot of belief into the other players in the squad when a player of Rice’s caliber invests his future on Arsenal.
Andrea Berta and his improvements
Andrea Berta was appointed by Arsenal to take them to the next level. And he has exactly been doing that since his appointment. Some of his signings include Viktor Gyokeres from Sportin CP, Piero Hincapie on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Christhian Mosquera from Valencia, etc. All of them have been successful investments by Berta and he continues to move in the right direction for Arsenal.
Recently, Berta also managed to secure the future Arsenal’s starboy Bukayo Saka by confirming a new contract with the England international.
Conclusion
Overall, Arsenal would be loving how this season has been turning out. They are well and truly alive in all the competitions. Some fans are even dreaming about a potential quadruple for Arsenal this season. Only time will tell how much silverware this Arsenal team could achieve this season.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
Recommended for you