Declan Rice ready to commit long-term future to Arsenal until 2031

Arsenal are prepared to hand Declan Rice a new contract that will keep him at the Emirates until at least the summer of 2031, according to talkSPORT. The midfielder is ready to commit his long-term future to the club. Mikel Arteta has also agreed a long-term extension.

  • Rice deal: New Arsenal contract until at least summer 2031
  • Arteta extension: Long-term contract agreed with hefty pay rise, could take reign beyond a decade
  • Ward return: Julian Ward set to be appointed Liverpool sporting director for the second time
  • Chelsea target: Tracking Gambian 15-year-old Adama Jeng of Samger FC
  • Garnacho interest: LaLiga clubs eye winger after struggles at Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea

Deal details

Arsenal have moved to secure Rice's future with a contract that runs until at least 2031, as reported by talkSPORT. The length of the deal reflects his importance to the side and the club's determination to tie down a key player.

Arteta's new deal, according to The Guardian, includes a hefty pay rise in recognition of his success last season and could take his reign as manager beyond a decade. This underlines the board's faith in the project.

Other transfer stories from Wednesday's papers

Liverpool are finalising their succession plan after the departure of Richard Hughes. Julian Ward is set to be appointed as the club's sporting director for the second time, according to The Times.

Chelsea are tracking highly-rated Gambian 15-year-old midfielder Adama Jeng, who plays for Samger FC, as reported by the Mail. The Blues are monitoring the youngster's progress.

Alejandro Garnacho is attracting interest from LaLiga after the winger has struggled to make an impact at Aston Villa since his summer loan move from Chelsea. That is also per the Mail.

Manchester United are scouring Europe for potential replacements for wonder-kid JJ Gabriel, with 16-year-old Lens talent Mezian Mesloub an option, according to talkSPORT.

Tottenham have lost a sponsor amid their dire start to the season, with Sidiz triggering an early termination clause to exit their Spurs sponsorship at the end of October, as reported by The Telegraph.

Nottingham Forest are braced for interest in Morgan Gibbs-White next summer, with Bayern Munich one of the clubs interested, per talkSPORT.

EFL and international news

In the EFL, Karl Robinson is keen on the vacant manager's job at Peterborough United, according to talkSPORT.

In international football, Argentina have offered a new long-term deal to boss Lionel Scaloni until the 2030 World Cup, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

Rugby union and Formula One

In rugby union, Henry Pollock has signed a new £450,000-a-year deal that will keep him at Northampton Saints until at least 2029, ensuring his availability for England beyond next year's World Cup, per The Telegraph.

In Formula One, the climax of the season remains uncertain, with organisers reluctant to take the decision to cancel the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi because of the conflict in the Gulf, as it could cost them financially, according to The Times.

Why Arsenal are moving now on Rice and Arteta

Securing Rice until 2031 is a statement of intent. The midfielder has become central to Arsenal's engine room, and tying him down long-term removes any lingering doubt over his future. With Arteta also committing, the club is locking in the core of its project.

The pay rise for Arteta acknowledges the progress made last season. It also sends a message to rivals that Arsenal intend to build on that success rather than rest on it.

Elsewhere, Liverpool's move for Ward illustrates their focus on continuity behind the scenes. Chelsea's interest in a 15-year-old shows their continued investment in youth, while Tottenham's sponsor loss is a commercial blow amid a poor run.

Talking points

  • Does Rice's new deal until 2031 make him Arsenal's most important player, ahead of the attacking talents?
  • Arteta's extension could take him beyond a decade — is that stability or a risk if results dip?
  • Liverpool re-appointing Ward suggests they value experience, but can he replicate his previous success?
  • Chelsea tracking a 15-year-old from Gambia highlights their global scouting, but will he break into the first team?

What happens next

Arsenal are expected to formalise both Rice's new contract and Arteta's extension in the coming weeks. Liverpool will confirm Ward's appointment as they restructure their backroom team. Chelsea will continue to monitor Adama Jeng, while Tottenham deal with the fallout of losing a sponsor. The F1 season climax remains in doubt as organisers weigh financial implications.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Declan Rice's new Arsenal contract?

Rice's new contract will keep him at Arsenal until at least the summer of 2031, according to talkSPORT.

Has Mikel Arteta signed a new Arsenal contract?

Yes, Arteta has agreed a long-term contract extension with Arsenal that includes a hefty pay rise in recognition of his success last season, as reported by The Guardian.

Who is Chelsea's 15-year-old transfer target?

Chelsea are tracking Gambian 15-year-old midfielder Adama Jeng, who plays for Samger FC, according to the Mail.

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