Arsenal are about to hand Declan Rice the biggest contract in the club’s history — and the timing couldn’t be more explosive.
TEAMtalk understands that Mikel Arteta has personally green-lit sporting director Andrea Berta to open formal negotiations with the England international on a sensational new long-term deal BEFORE the start of next season. The message from the top is crystal clear: Rice is not just staying… he’s staying FOREVER.
The 27-year-old arrived at the Emirates in 2023 in a blockbuster £105million move from West Ham and has since transformed into the heartbeat of Arteta’s side. While Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and William Saliba have all been handed bumper new contracts in recent months, Rice — the man many inside the club call the best midfielder on the planet — has been patiently waiting his turn.
That wait is now OVER.
Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that Berta first made contact with Rice’s representatives last year to flag Arsenal’s intention to open talks in 2026. The response from the player’s camp was overwhelmingly positive. Now, with Saka already banking over £300,000-a-week after his own new deal last week, the club is ready to go even bigger for Rice.
A five-year contract is being prepared — and there is genuine belief inside the Emirates that Rice is desperate to sign it and commit the rest of his career to the Gunners.
Rice’s current deal, worth around £240,000-a-week, still has two years left (plus a club option for a third), but Arsenal aren’t taking any chances. They want their midfield general tied down until at least 2031, and they’re prepared to make him one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League to do it.
The numbers speak for themselves: 38 appearances this season, four goals and a staggering TEN assists. One error against Tottenham on Sunday? Barely worth mentioning when the rest of his performances have been world-class. Fans and insiders alike agree — Arsenal simply wouldn’t be challenging for the title without him.
Arteta knows it. The dressing room knows it. The supporters know it.
And now, with Saka, Gabriel and Saliba already secured, the final piece of the puzzle is falling into place.
Get ready, Gooners — the Emirates is about to go absolutely nuclear when Declan Rice puts pen to paper on what could be the biggest statement signing of the Arteta era.
The “Best Midfielder on the Planet” is staying home.
North London is RED… and it’s about to get even louder! 🔴