Declan Rice close to matching Arsenal's highest earner with new contract

Declan Rice is nearing agreement on a new long-term contract with Arsenal that would elevate his weekly wage to approximately £350,000, aligning him with club highest earner Bukayo Saka, BBC Sport reported on 7 October 2026. The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105 million in July 2023, has become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta's squad. His current deal expires at the end of the 2026–27 season, but negotiations that began in March have now reached an advanced stage.

Rice has made 165 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, scoring 21 goals and providing 33 assists. He was instrumental in Arsenal's first Premier League title win in 22 years during the 2024–25 season and helped the club reach the Champions League final, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. England manager Thomas Tuchel has described him as one of the best midfielders in Europe. The new contract reflects Arsenal's recognition of Rice's tactical importance and leadership influence within the dressing room, where he has become part of the club's leadership group.

The contract announcement follows Mikel Arteta's own four-year deal, signed on 4 October 2026, cementing the club's commitment to continuity. Arsenal's ownership has prioritised securing core personnel; Saka signed his four-year top-earner contract in February 2026, while Arteta now earns close to £20 million annually, making him the Premier League's highest-paid manager. The coordinated renewals represent Arsenal's strategy to maintain stability after their title-winning campaign. Rice has appeared in seven matches across all competitions so far in the 2026–27 season, contributing two assists in the Premier League.