Arsenal close to new Declan Rice deal to match Bukayo Saka’s top wages
Arsenal are nearing an agreement with Declan Rice on a new long-term contract that would reward the midfielder’s central role in Mikel Arteta’s side and move him alongside Bukayo Saka at the top of the club’s pay scale.
Rice contract situation at a glance
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal record | 165 games, 21 goals, 33 assists | All competitions since joining in 2023 |
| Current salary | About £240,000 per week | Existing Arsenal terms |
| Proposed salary | About £350,000 per week | Expected to match Saka’s wage level |
| League position | Second, 12 points from five matches | Three points behind Manchester City |
Rice arrived from West Ham United for £105 million in the summer of 2023 and has become one of the first names in Arsenal’s midfield. His present contract is due to run out at the conclusion of next season, but negotiations over an extension, which began in March, have progressed to an advanced point.
The proposed package would increase Rice’s weekly earnings from roughly £240,000 to around £350,000. That would place the England international on the same level as Saka, currently Arsenal’s highest-paid player.
Arsenal’s willingness to offer those terms reflects Rice’s importance on and off the pitch. The former West Ham captain helped Arteta’s team win their first Premier League crown since 2004 last season, and Arsenal also reached the Champions League final, where Paris Saint-Germain prevailed on penalties.
His deal is not the only major commitment made by the club. Arteta has recently agreed a four-year extension of his own, providing further continuity after Arsenal’s recent progress.
Rice has started the new campaign with seven appearances across all competitions. He has supplied two assists, both of them in Premier League matches.
Arsenal are second after taking 12 points from their opening five league fixtures. Manchester City, managed by Enzo Maresca, lead by three points after maintaining a perfect start.
Arteta’s side return to Emirates Stadium on Saturday to face Leeds United, seeking an immediate response to their 3-0 loss away to Brighton in their last match.
