Arsenal are reportedly moving closer to securing Declan Rice’s long-term future with talks over an improved contract accelerating during the international break.
The midfielder remains tied to the Gunners until 2028, with Arsenal holding an option for a further year, meaning there is no immediate pressure over his future.
However, the Premier League champions appear determined to reward one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players rather than allow his existing deal to run deeper into its final years.
According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal intend to use the September international break to finalise the details of a new long-term agreement.
The report claims Rice is in line for a five-year contract and a significant salary increase.
TalkSPORT has separately reported that Arsenal want to tie the England international down until 2031.
No new contract has yet been officially announced by Arsenal.
Arsenal move to secure Declan Rice future
Rice has become central to Arteta’s side since arriving from West Ham in 2023.
His importance was underlined again last season as Arsenal won the Premier League, with Rice subsequently included among the club’s five representatives in the PFA Team of the Year.
As we previously examined when Arsenal’s five PFA selections highlighted the structure behind their title win, Rice sits at the heart of the control and defensive security Arteta has built.
A new deal would therefore represent considerably more than a routine contractual extension.
It would protect one of Arsenal’s most valuable players through what should be the peak years of his career.
FootballTransfers reports that Rice could earn around £280,000 per week under the proposed terms, although that figure has not been confirmed by Arsenal.
International break could give Arsenal perfect contract window
The timing is particularly interesting.
Rice has withdrawn from England duty during the current international break, with Arsenal handed an immediate fitness concern after his withdrawal.
That leaves the midfielder away from international fixtures while Arsenal do not return to Premier League action until their home meeting with Leeds United on 10 October.
It potentially gives all parties a useful window to make progress away from the usual match-to-match noise.
Arsenal have already shown a willingness to protect the core of Arteta’s squad with long-term contracts.
Rice is an obvious candidate to be next.
There is still an important distinction between advanced talks and a completed agreement, and Arsenal supporters should wait for official confirmation before treating the extension as done.
But the direction of travel now appears increasingly clear.
Arsenal want Rice at the centre of their midfield for years to come.
Arsenal face 12-club January loan scramble for 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman
Arsenal face 12-club January loan scramble for 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman
Viktor Gyökeres camp holds talks over Arsenal exit as two clubs circle
Viktor Gyökeres camp holds talks over Arsenal exit as two clubs circle