Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he is confident midfielder Declan Rice will sign a new long-term contract at the Gunners.
The England international has been a key player for Arsenal since his club-record move from West Ham United three years ago. He has started the current season in fine fashion.
Rice has already registered five goal contributions in all competitions and recently scored a brilliant equaliser against Bayern Munich on the road in the Champions League.
In his pre-match presser, Arteta was asked whether Rice could be next in line to extend his stay and how confident he is that the midfielder will commit his future to the Gunners.
In response, the Spanish tactician said Rice is ‘very happy’ and ‘wants to continue’ at the club long term. Arteta added it could be a matter of time before he pens a new contract.
He told reporters (via Hayters): “My feeling is that he’s very happy here, in every conversation I have with him, and he wants to continue here for the long term.
“It will be a matter of time before we sort that. He’s been very consistent again.
“What we are demanding him to do every year is very difficult to maintain. He’s doing it, a big credit to him.”
Rice struggled with neural hamstring pain at the World Cup. He was managing the condition at the start of the year, and it undoubtedly became worse during the tournament.
There were concerns that the midfielder might need an extended rest on his return to club duty, but the 27-year-old has shown no notable fitness concerns this campaign.
The three-week international break probably came at the right time. Rice skipped four Nations League matches with England to build up his fitness and has looked lively since.
The midfielder, described as ‘world-class‘ by Steven Gerrard, missed the shock Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat at Fleetwood Town on Tuesdat night with a minor knock.
He should start in the Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield today and will play a big role in midfield as the Gunners seek a long-awaited victory at the stadium.
Arsenal have not won at Anfield since September 2012. A draw would send them to the top of the league, but a victory would be a statement from the reigning English champions.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com