Declan Rice Closes In on New Arsenal Deal Worth £350k a Week

Declan Rice is close to agreeing a new long-term contract at Arsenal, sources have told BBC Sport. The England midfielder, whose current deal expires at the end of next season, is set to receive a significant pay increase to his £240,000-per-week salary.

  • Player: Declan Rice
  • Club: Arsenal
  • Stage: Close to agreeing a new long-term deal
  • Current salary: £240,000 per week
  • Proposed salary: On par with top earner Bukayo Saka, about £350,000 per week
  • Current contract expires: End of next season

Deal details

Rice's current contract expires at the end of next season, and BBC Sport reported in March that talks over a new deal were underway. Those discussions are now at an advanced stage. If agreed, the new contract would hand the midfielder a significant pay increase from his reported £240,000 per week to about £350,000 per week, matching Arsenal's best earner Bukayo Saka. No exact length or fee is specified.

What was said

"Declan Rice is close to agreeing a new long-term Arsenal contract, sources have told BBC Sport."

— BBC Sport

Why Arsenal Are Locking Down Rice Now

Arsenal are tying down the spine of their team. Rice, Bukayo Saka and manager Mikel Arteta are all committing their futures in the same week. The club's £105m investment from West Ham in July 2023 has become essential, with more than 150 starts already. Matching Saka's wage bracket is a statement.

Rice's value is in his versatility and minutes: he shields the defence, progresses the ball through midfield, and is rarely rotated. With his current deal expiring next season, Arsenal are removing the risk of a drawn-out saga. The timing also sends a signal that the project is built around him, not just Arteta's new four-year deal announced on Tuesday.

Talking points

  • Should Rice be paid the same as Saka? He is the engine room, but Saka is the main goal threat — value is in the eye of the beholder.
  • Arsenal's wage bill is rising. Is £350k-a-week sustainable, or will it force sales to keep the squad balanced?
  • Locking in Rice and Arteta in the same week kills any summer speculation — exactly what the club wants.
  • What does this mean for other midfield contracts? Arsenal now have a clear top earner tier, and others may ask to be moved up.

What happens next

Expect an official announcement soon. Rice's new deal would run beyond his current expiry and remove a key contract issue. Arsenal face a summer of planning with their core secured, and the focus shifts to other squad gaps. The club's wage structure remains the story to watch as other players eye parity.

Frequently asked questions

Is Declan Rice signing a new Arsenal contract?

Yes, sources have told BBC Sport he is close to agreeing a new long-term deal, with talks at an advanced stage.

How much will Declan Rice earn at Arsenal?

He would receive a significant pay increase to about £350,000 a week, on par with Bukayo Saka, up from £240,000 a week.

When does Declan Rice's current Arsenal contract expire?

His current deal expires at the end of next season.

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