Rice close to signing new long-term contract with Arsenal

Sources close to the English club Arsenal have reported that midfielder Declan Rice is nearing an agreement on a new long-term contract with the London team.

Sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that negotiations regarding the renewal have reached advanced stages, having started back in March.

Declan Rice, aged 27, has joined Arsenal from West Ham for a fee of £105 million during July 2023. His current contract with the Gunners will expire at the end of next season.

The player is expected to receive a significant increase in his weekly wage, currently estimated at around £240,000, bringing him closer to the club's highest earner, Bukayo Saka, who earns approximately £350,000 per week.

Declan Rice has played over 150 matches for Arsenal since joining, becoming a key figure in the team's midfield under manager Mikel Arteta. He is also a pivotal element in the England national team, where coach Thomas Tuchel recently described him as one of the best midfielders in Europe.

This development comes just hours after Arsenal announced the renewal of manager Mikel Arteta's contract for an additional four seasons.