Declan Rice Says New Arsenal Contract is “Hopefully on the Horizon”

Declan Rice has suggested that a new Arsenal contract could be agreed soon, saying an extension is “hopefully on the horizon”, according to BBC Sport.

The midfielder made the comments before England’s Nations League match against Spain on Sunday, expressing his satisfaction with life at the Emirates Stadium.

“A new contract is hopefully on the horizon soon and I’m extremely lucky to be at a club like Arsenal where the manager shows me so much trust and team-mates who put so much energy in to me,” the 27-year-old said.

BBC Sport first reported in March that discussions over a new deal were under way before revealing on October 7 that negotiations had reached an advanced stage.

Rice’s current contract expires in 2028, although Arsenal have the option to extend it by another year. He joined from West Ham in July 2023 for £105m, including £5m in potential add-ons.

A new agreement is expected to bring a significant pay rise. Rice currently earns £240,000 per week, with an improved deal potentially bringing him closer to Bukayo Saka’s reported £350,000 weekly salary.

Mikel Arteta has also expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached. Asked about Rice’s future before Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Anfield, the manager said: “Yes, my feeling is that he is very happy here.”

Arteta added that the England international wants to remain at Arsenal for the long term and that the situation would be resolved in time.

The manager has already secured his own future, signing a new four-year contract announced by Arsenal on October 7.

Rice has been one of the key figures in Arsenal’s success under Arteta. He won the club’s Player of the Season award for a second consecutive year after the 2025-26 campaign and finished 15th in the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

Arsenal won the Premier League last season, ending a 22-year wait for the title, and currently lead the table by five points. Rice has contributed one goal and five assists in 15 appearances this season.

The midfielder believes consistency and stability have played an important role in his development.

“I’ve been extremely lucky I’ve managed to play at such a consistent level throughout my career. I always set myself targets, pushing for more,” he said.

“I’m extremely lucky not to have to worry about that stuff as it makes playing football far more easier.”

Rice is not the only senior Arsenal player whose contract runs until 2028, with Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and David Raya also tied to the club until that year.