Arsenal begins contract negotiations with Declan Rice.

Arsenal is taking decisive steps to secure the future of one of its brightest stars, Declan Rice. The London club has started talks with the English midfielder for a new long-term contract, in a move aimed at solidifying his position as one of the team’s top players.

Currently, Rice has a contract that runs for another two years, with the possibility of an additional 12-month extension. However, the Gunners, leaders of the Premier League, want the England international to commit his prime years to the club. The proposal on the table will include a significant salary increase, elevating Rice to one of the highest-paid positions in the squad.

Recently, Bukayo Saka signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract that guarantees a minimum of £300,000 per week, while Rice currently earns around £240,000. Although discussions are in the early stages and there is no set timeline for their conclusion, the process to ensure Rice’s continued presence in London is underway.

Since joining Arsenal from West Ham in a record transfer of £105 million in 2023, the 27-year-old has built a solid reputation as one of the best midfielders in Europe, making 102 appearances in the Premier League. Additionally, Rice has been a key player for the England national team, with 72 caps accumulated so far.

Arsenal is not only focused on Rice; the club has been actively working to secure the future of its top stars. Over the past 12 months, players such as William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri have also signed contract extensions. Furthermore, negotiations with Jurrien Timber for a better deal are already underway. Recently, David Raya and Leandro Trossard have also received improved contracts, although these did not include a time extension.

With Arsenal leading the race for the Premier League title, pulling seven points clear of Manchester City, the pressure is mounting. The team managed by Mikel Arteta is set to face Everton, while City visits West Ham, with both matches scheduled for this Saturday. It is worth remembering that Arsenal has not won the English league title since 2004, during Arsène Wenger’s tenure at the club.

Attention now turns to the possibility of Rice becoming an even more central part of Arsenal’s future, as the club fights not only for the title but also for the retention of its top talents. The saga surrounding Declan Rice’s contract is set to be one of the hottest topics in the coming weeks.