Declan Rice is reportedly close to signing a new long-term Arsenal contract, with the latest Arsenal news highlighting his growing importance to Mikel Arteta’s midfield and his strong 2026/27 performances.
Arsenal
Full name: Arsenal Football Club Nickname: The Gunners Founded: October 1886 Stadium: Emirates Stadium Owner: Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Co-chairmen: Stan Kroenke, Josh Kroenke Manager: Mikel Arteta League: Premier League Season 2025/26: Champions Website: arsenal.com Arsenal football club is one… Read More about ARSENAL
Arsenal star Declan Rice is getting a massive contract boost, as per latest news. The midfielder is close to getting a new five-year contract with Arsenal, despite his current deal running until 2028. As reported by Football Transfers, the new contract could be worth around £280,000 per week. The Premier League side already have an option to extend Rice’s contract by another year, so the decision to negotiate fresh terms show how important he is to the football club.
Arsenal are protecting a major investment in Declan Rice
Arsenal side paid West Ham around £105 million for Rice in 2023. This made him one of the biggest investments in the football club’s history. His importance has only grown three years later. The timing of the contract is therefore very important; Arsenal is not just trying to protect an immediate departure. They are also trying to protect a player who is now central to Arsenal’s midfield structure.
A five-year deal would take Rice into his early thirties. It would also give Arsenal greater control over his future during the prime years of his career. That matters because elite midfielders who can defend, carry the ball and contribute to the final third are difficult to replace. The reported £280,000 weekly salary also puts Rice in Arsenal’s top financial bracket. For context, it was reported earlier this year that Bukayo Saka’s new contract was expected to take his earnings to about £300,000 a week.
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Declan Rice has become more than a defensive midfielder
The strongest reason for the new contract is Rice’s development as a complete midfielder. At West Ham, his reputation was built largely around ball recovery, defensive positioning and his ability to cover space. At Arsenal, his role has expanded. He can play deeper, move into advanced areas and contribute from set pieces.
That tactical flexibility gives Mikel Arteta more ways to build his midfield. It also makes Rice harder to replace with a single player. His importance was clear during the 2025-26 campaign. Rice made 69 appearances for Arsenal and England. Arsenal are now monitoring his workload closely after he revealed that he had played through pain during the previous season.
That creates an interesting contrast. Arsenal are preparing to make Rice one of their highest-paid players while also trying to manage the physical demands placed on him.
Declan Rice’s 2026-27 stats at Arsenal, as per FOTMOB
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Competition Matches Goals Assists Passing Accuracy(%) Chances Created DuelsWon(%)
Premier League 5 0 2 91.1% 7 50%
Champions League 1 0 0 93% 1 40%
FIFA World Cup 2026 7 1 2 92% 17 61.3%
Arsenal are building around continuity
The Rice negotiations also fit a wider Arsenal strategy. The club have been tying important players to long-term contracts rather than allowing uncertainty to build. The approach is logical after Arsenal’s recent success. The club won their first Premier League title since 2004 last season, and continuity has become a major part of their squad planning.
Author’s Opinion
The new agreement would give Arsenal financial and sporting stability. For Rice, it would recognise his growing status within the team. For Arteta, it would provide certainty around a midfielder who can perform several roles.
The key point is therefore not simply the reported £280,000 salary. It is the length of the commitment. Arsenal appears to be planning beyond the next transfer window. By securing Declan Rice on a long-term deal, the club can continue building its midfield around a player who has already become central to Arteta’s system.