Declan Rice Nears New Arsenal Contract As Arteta Expresses Confidence

Declan Rice is moving closer to a new Arsenal contract, with Mikel Arteta saying he expects the England midfielder to remain at the club for the long term.

The Standard reported on October 31 that negotiations have progressed toward an agreement. Arsenal have not announced a completed extension or confirmed its length and financial terms.

The Standard quoted Arteta expressing confidence in the discussions: “It will be a matter of time when we resolve that.” He said his conversations with Rice had reinforced his belief that the player wants to stay.

The contract discussions continue as Arsenal prepare for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool. Rice was pictured at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in the club’s October 31 gallery before the match.

The midfielder has started all eight of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season. Arteta’s assessment of his workload also followed a campaign in which Rice made 69 appearances for club and country, according to the report.

His original arrival represented a major commitment by Arsenal. The Premier League confirmed his signing on July 15, 2023, after West Ham announced that he was leaving for a British record transfer fee.

Rice became Arsenal’s third signing that summer, following Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. He took the No. 41 shirt after developing through West Ham’s academy, having previously spent time in Chelsea’s youth system.

Before that move, Rice captained West Ham to victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final. He had also led the Premier League in interceptions and possession recoveries during his final league season with the club.

Arsenal enter Sunday’s Premier League match at Liverpool level with Manchester City at the top of the table after seven wins from eight league games. They are seeking a fourth consecutive league victory following Tuesday’s Carabao Cup exit.