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Arsenal optimistic 27yo will extend contract as talks enter final stages

Declan Rice is expected to put pen to paper on a new contract with Arsenal soon, with the club optimistic he signs, according to a report.

Declan Rice and Noni Madueke of Arsenal embrace after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Nottingham Forest FC and Arsenal FC at City Ground on October 18, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are advancing very well on a new contract for Declan Rice. Negotiations are reportedly now getting to the final stages, with the salary agreement almost there, as well as the length of the contract and the final details.

The Gunners are reportedly very optimistic to get the deal done and to have Rice as part of their long-term project.

Arsenal consider Rice a crucial player, and he’s loved by everyone within the club, from his teammates to the club hierarchy. So he’s now expected to put pen to paper soon.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Declan Rice of Arsenal in action during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Sami Mokbel recently reported for the BBC that Rice was close to agreeing a new long-term deal, with talks underway since March and the process at an advanced stage.

Mokbel wrote that Rice would receive a significant increase on his current £240,000-a-week deal, putting him in the region of £350,000-a-week.

Romano also reported in September that a new contract for Rice was ‘really, really close’, if not ‘imminent’. It seems it’s still not completely done, but things are still moving in the right direction.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrate after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on September 06, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Rice’s current deal lasts to 2028, so it’s understandable that he’s one of the key players Arsenal are focusing on in contract talks. The Gunners won’t want him to enter the final year of his contract without any progress on a new one.

Rice made 55 appearances for Arsenal last season as they won the Premier League and reached the finals of the League Cup and the Champions League.

The midfielder looks like being just as busy this season, making 10 appearances (nine starts) in the Gunners’ first 11 games.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Declan Rice of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images
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