Arsenal are expected to begin talks over a contract extension for Declan Rice, but the process could take 'some time', Fabrizio Romano has exclusively revealed in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter.
The Gunners are planning to offer a new deal for the England international amid his ever-growing importance to Mikel Arteta, although negotiations are not expected to move forward immediately.
Arsenal are already believed to be in conversations over new deals for Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, and have confirmed fresh agreements for the likes of William Saliba and Leandro Trossard in the past several months.
Rice’s current Emirates deal expires at the end of the 2027/28 season, which gives Arsenal plenty of time to secure the former West Ham midfielder’s future.
Arsenal Very Happy About Declan Rice
Rice
Romano, writing in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter, said he expects talks regarding a new deal for Rice to take a while but no issues are anticipated as there is a very good connection between the player and the club:
“Yes, there’s very good connection and feeling between them. I expect new deal talks to take some time but no issues at all.”
Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in a club-record £105m deal in the summer of 2023 and has been pivotal to the Gunners ever since, registering 18 goals and 25 assists in 120 appearances.
The 26-year-old was named Arsenal Player of the Season last term as well as included in the PFA Team of the Year for a second year running after helping Arsenal mount another title challenge.
Arteta’s side have started their quest to finally end their Premier League title drought well this season as they sit four points clear at the top of the table after 11 games.
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last eight games in the division and have conceded only five goals, with two coming in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland before the international break.
Rice is Arsenal’s joint-top goal contributor in the Premier League with four, along with summer signing Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard.
The England midfielder also registered two assists in the Champions League, helping Arsenal win all four of their opening games.
The North London side are one of three teams with a perfect record in the competition, with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan also collecting four wins from four.