Declan Rice has provided Arsenal with a significant boost by indicating that he expects to sign a new contract with the club soon.
The England midfielder, who joined Arsenal from West Ham in a £105 million move in 2023, has become a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s team. His current agreement runs until 2028, but discussions over an extension are understood to be progressing positively.
Declan Rice new contract talks progressing
Speaking while on international duty with England, Rice said: “Hopefully there’s a new contract on the horizon soon.”
He added: “I’m extremely lucky to be at a club like Arsenal, where the manager shows me so much trust and my teammates put so much energy and effort into me.”
Fabrizio Romano shared the midfielder’s comments, which are in line with reports that Arsenal have made securing Rice’s long-term future a priority.
Rice has developed beyond the defensive midfield role he occupied when he arrived in north London. He has also become an influence in possession, capable of carrying the ball forward, creating opportunities and contributing from set-pieces.
Arsenal are working to retain several important members of Arteta’s squad, with Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber also understood to be moving towards new agreements.
Rice’s importance to the team was underlined recently when Jamie Carragher described him as the Premier League’s best midfielder “by a long way” after Arsenal’s victory at Liverpool.
