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Posted on March 13, 2026 9:15 pm | Updated on March 13, 2026 8:34 pm
Arsenal have taken the first step toward securing Declan Rice long term future by opening negotiations over a new contract. The midfielder remains central to the club’s plans and discussions have now begun as the leadership looks to reward his influence since arriving in north London.
Rice still has two years left on his current deal and Arsenal also hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months. Despite that security, the club wants to move early and ensure that one of their most important players commits the peak years of his career to the project.
Arsenal move early to secure Declan Rice future
The early talks underline how highly Arsenal value the England international. Since joining from West Ham in 2023 for £105 million, Rice has become one of the most influential figures in Mikel Arteta’s midfield. Arsenal’s technical staff see him as a cornerstone of the side and believe his consistency is helping to raise the average level across the squad.
As per the reports, the club is preparing a proposal that includes a significant salary increase. The intention is to place Declan Rice among the highest paid players in the squad and reflect the importance of his role in the team’s push for the Premier League title.
The structure of the new deal is still being discussed and negotiations remain in the early stages. However, Arsenal’s decision to open talks well before the current contract reaches its final year shows their desire to avoid uncertainty around one of their key players.
Rice himself has settled seamlessly into life at the Emirates and has assumed a leadership role on and off the pitch. His professionalism and consistency have made him a favourite with supporters and an important voice in the dressing room.
Contract talks reflect Arsenal’s long term planning
Arsenal’s approach with Declan Rice is part of a wider strategy to secure the futures of their core players. Over the past year the club has worked to tie down several key figures with improved deals. Bukayo Saka recently signed a new contract worth at least £300,000 per week. Rice’s current salary is reported to be around £240,000 per week, and the proposed extension would move him closer to the top bracket of earners at the club.
The club has also reached agreements with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri in the last twelve months. In addition, discussions have started with Jurrien Timber about improving his terms. Elsewhere, David Raya and Leandro Trossard have received upgraded contracts as well. Those agreements increased their wages but did not extend the length of their deals.
This kind of pattern shows how Arsenal are attempting to build stamina within the squad. The club hopes to achieve continuity and compete at the highest level in football after securing long term contracts for some of its key contributors.
Rice’s impact since arriving in north London
Rice’s impact, since his arrival from West Ham was apparent. The midfielder has already 102 league appearances to his name for The Gunners and has given consistent performances in both defensive and offensive phases of play. His ability to dictate the pace of a game and disrupt opposing attacks has made him crucial to how Arteta’s tactical system functions. He has also brought leadership and maturity to a squad that continues to develop.
Arsenal lead the title race by seven points over Manchester City, although their rivals still hold a game in hand. The Gunners host Everton this weekend while City travel to West Ham. The club last lifted the league title in 2004 during Arsene Wenger’s tenure. With Rice central to their ambitions, Arsenal hope a new contract will keep him at the heart of the project.
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Deepanjali Bhardwaj
Deepanjali Bhardwaj is a Sports Writer at Six Sports, covering both football and cricket with a focus on match developments, player performances, and key talking points across the two sports. Her work combines timely reporting with clear analysis, helping readers stay informed about major matches, tournaments, and emerging storylines in the football and cricket landscape. Through her coverage at Six Sports, Deepanjali contributes match reports, analytical pieces, and feature stories that highlight important moments, team strategies, and standout player performances across domestic and international competitions.
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