Arsenal are preparing to open talks with Declan Rice over a new long-term contract that would extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium well beyond 2028. The England midfielder’s current deal runs until June 2028, but club executives are eager to reward his impact since joining from West Ham United last year and secure his future through the next decade.
According to sources close to the club, Arsenal are planning to schedule a meeting with Rice and his representatives in the coming months to discuss an extension that could potentially run until June 2031. The move reflects the Gunners’ growing commitment to building around a young core of leaders that includes Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba — all of whom have recently signed long-term deals.
Rice, 26, has quickly become one of Mikel Arteta’s most influential players, anchoring the midfield with a blend of tactical discipline, ball recovery, and leadership. His arrival for a club-record £105 million fee has proven to be a pivotal signing in Arsenal’s return to Premier League and Champions League contention.
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu Gaspar is expected to lead discussions with Rice’s camp, emphasizing both the club’s faith in him and their intention to maintain stability across the spine of the team. While Rice remains under contract for three more seasons, Arsenal’s hierarchy is reportedly keen to avoid future transfer uncertainty and reward his continued performances with improved terms.
Rice himself is said to be happy and settled in North London and sees Arsenal as the ideal environment to compete for major honours. The midfielder is also viewed as a potential long-term captain, with his leadership qualities making him an essential figure in Arteta’s project.
Although negotiations are still in their early stages, Arsenal’s proactive stance underlines their ambition to keep Rice as one of the cornerstones of their project well into the next decade.
