Mikel Arteta believes it is only a matter of time before Arsenal agree a new contract with Declan Rice, saying the midfielder wants to remain at the club for the long term.
Asked about securing the England international’s future, the manager said: “My feeling is that he’s very happy here. Every conversation I have with him, he wants to continue here for the long term, and it will be a matter of time when we resolve that.”
Rice’s current contract runs until summer 2028, with Arsenal reportedly holding an option to extend it by a further 12 months. He has become central to Arteta’s side since joining from West Ham for a club-record £100 million in the summer of 2023.
In 170 appearances, the midfielder has scored 22 goals and provided 35 assists. Last season, he played more minutes than any other outfield player as the Gunners won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. His performances also earned him 15th place in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Rice has maintained that influence this season, contributing four assists in eight league starts. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, Arteta praised his consistency following a demanding summer at the World Cup.
“I think he’s been very consistent again. I think what we are demanding him to do every year, it’s very difficult to maintain. He’s doing it, big credit to him.
“Big players for big matches, and we know the kind of performance that we need from Declan and the rest of the boys to get away from there [Anfield] with the three points.”
Arsenal are also looking to agree new terms with Jurrien Timber, David Raya, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, whose contracts run until 2028.