Mansion Sports – Arsenal are on the verge of securing Declan Rice’s long-term future with an enticing new contract offer, reflecting his status as one of the key pillars of the club’s project.

The England international is expected to receive a significant pay rise that would bring him in line with the club’s highest-paid players, following years of dominant performances at the heart of the North London side’s midfield.

The Gunners Move to Secure Their Midfield Anchor

Arsenal have made significant progress in their efforts to tie Rice down to a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

The former West Ham captain has been outstanding since his £105 million move in the summer of 2023, establishing himself as an indispensable figure in Mikel Arteta’s midfield engine room.

After establishing himself as one of the squad’s key pillars with 165 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, during which he has scored 21 goals and provided 33 assists, Rice is now increasingly close to committing his long-term future to the club.

Although his current contract is set to expire at the end of next season, BBC Sport revealed last March that talks over an extension had already been underway, and the process has now entered an advanced stage as both sides move closer to an official agreement.

Matching the Highest-Paid Players at the Emirates

The proposed new contract includes a substantial financial package that would place Rice among the highest earners in Arsenal’s wage structure.

The midfielder currently earns around £240,000 per week, but the new agreement would see that figure rise to approximately £350,000 per week.

The increase would put him on the same level as Bukayo Saka, who is currently the highest-paid player at the club.

By offering Rice a salary equal to Saka’s, Arsenal are recognising his immense value to the squad’s tactical balance and dressing-room culture, particularly after he played a crucial role in helping The Gunners win their first Premier League title since 2004 last season, while also helping them reach the Champions League final before narrowly losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

Continuing Mikel Arteta’s Commitment

The development comes shortly after Arteta secured his own future with the club.

The Arsenal manager recently signed a new four-year contract, providing a sense of stability and continuity that is crucial to the team’s positive development.

Rice has continued to deliver consistent performances at the start of the new season, making seven appearances for Arsenal in all competitions so far this season.

The influential midfielder has already contributed two assists, with both of his creative contributions coming in the Premier League.

Looking to Bounce Back Against Leeds

In domestic competition, Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table with 12 points from their first five matches.

Arteta’s side are three points behind current leaders Manchester City, with Enzo Maresca’s team still maintaining a perfect 100 percent record so far.

The Gunners will now look to bounce back and return to winning ways when they host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, aiming to quickly recover from their disappointing 0-3 defeat to Brighton in their previous match.