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Declan Rice joined Arsenal for £105m in 2023 Arsenal have approached Declan Rice over a new long-term contract. Rice's existing deal still has two years left to run, while there is also an option to extend that term by a further 12 months. But the Premier League leaders are looking for the England international to commit his prime years to the club. Renewal talks are underway, and the offer will include a pay increase to solidify his position as one of Arsenal's best earners. Bukayo Saka recently signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract worth a minimum of £300, 000 per week. Rice's current deal is worth a reported £240, 000 per week. Discussions are described as being at an early stage and no timeline has been set for their completion. But the process of ensuring Rice stays in north London for the foreseeable future is under way. Since joining Arsenal from West Ham in a deal worth £105m in 2023, the 27-year-old has established a reputation as one of the best midfielders in Europe. He has made 102 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, while he has also established himself as a key player for England, having already won 72 caps. Arsenal have moved to lock in the futures of their top stars, with Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri signing extensions over the past 12 months. The club have also opened talks with Jurrien Timber over an improved deal. David Raya and Leandro Trossard have also been awarded with improved contracts in recent months, although those deals did not include additional time on their deals. Arsenal lead the race for the Premier League title by seven points from Manchester City, who have a game in hand, heading into the weekend. They host Everton, while City go to West Ham, with both games on Saturday. The Gunners last won the English league title in 2004, during Arsene Wenger's reign as manager. The evolution of Rice - how midfielder became Arsenal's all-rounder Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views Ask about Arsenal - what do you want to know? Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Cheltenham Festival: Build-up to Gold Cup as Gaelic Warrior backed in to favourite Tottenham players can either 'cry or fight' - Tudor The numbers behind Borthwick's nightmare Six Nations Oscar-nominated Frankenstein and more movies that made Guillermo del Toro Celebrated actor Jessie Buckley picks her Desert Island Discs A new spin on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Behind the making of one of Hollywood's most quotable films 'Iran's women are heroes - they want to be free' The numbers behind Borthwick's nightmare Six Nations Jason Tindall - the most misunderstood man in football? Players must believe in your methods - the mentality of winning a relegation battle How do Scots beat 'nemesis' Ireland for first time in 12 meetings? Why London Spirit spent £390, 000 on uncapped Sussex all-rounder Coles From best in league to bench - Foden's mysterious loss of form Why England will keep kicking regardless of what fans think Will Everton's formidable away form throw open title race? Meet Paralympics GB's 26th team member Winter Paralympics daily guide: 13 golds to be decided on Friday Tudor's tactics: Pinpointing how his choices have made things worse The Brits travelling in their thousands to 'Costa del Cheltenham' Frozen out? The 'mixed' team event with one female player Old Firm chaos: What happened? Who said what? What now? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.