Arsenal are planning a major contract extension for Declan Rice that would keep the midfielder at the Emirates until 2031.
According to Nicolò Schira, the Gunners are working on a new long-term agreement for Rice, with Mikel Arteta determined to secure the future of one of the most important players in his squad.
Rice is regarded as a key player by Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy, with the club keen to ensure there is no uncertainty surrounding his future.
Schira reports that Rice has also turned down a huge offer from Saudi Arabia in recent months, underlining his commitment to continuing his career at Arsenal.
🚨 Excl. – #Arsenal are planning Declan #Rice’s contract extension until 2031. The midfielder has turned down a huge bid from Saudi in the last months and is considered a key-player by #Arteta, who pushing to lock the player. #transfers #AFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) September 7, 2026
The midfielder has established himself as one of the central figures in Arteta’s side since arriving from West Ham, and his importance has only increased as Arsenal have developed into Premier League champions.
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His influence was once again evident during Arsenal’s perfect start to the new Premier League season, with the Gunners winning their opening three matches before Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
Rice also played a significant role in the dramatic win over Chelsea, producing the kind of disciplined performance that has made him such a trusted figure for Arteta.
Arsenal’s desire to tie him down comes as the club continues to secure the futures of the core players around Arteta.
Recent reports have indicated that new deals for Martin Ødegaard and Jurrien Timber are also progressing alongside talks over Arteta’s own contract, with Arsenal determined to maintain the foundations of the squad that won the Premier League last season.
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Rice’s proposed extension would therefore represent another major statement of intent from the Gunners.
The England international still has several years remaining on his existing Arsenal contract, but the club clearly want to reward his importance and remove any potential doubt over his long-term future.
For Arteta, retaining Rice is particularly important given the midfielder’s ability to operate in different roles and provide both defensive security and attacking quality.
The summer arrival of Bruno Guimarães has added further competition in midfield, but Rice remains a key part of Arteta’s plans.
Schira claims the new agreement is being planned until 2031, which would provide Arsenal with long-term security over a player they consider fundamental to their ambitions.
With Arsenal aiming to defend their Premier League title and finally go one step further in the Champions League after last season’s final defeat, keeping their biggest players committed will be crucial.
Rice turning down Saudi interest has already provided a major indication of his intentions.
Now Arsenal are looking to make that commitment official with a new deal that could keep their midfield star in north London until 2031.
Stevenage FC
Stevenage FC
Arsenal defenders William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal defenders William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes