Arsenal Joint-Top Earner Deal Secured as Rice Defends White
Declan Rice confirmed on Saturday that a new long-term Arsenal contract extension is near completion, positioning the 27-year-old midfielder alongside Bukayo Saka as the club’s joint-top wage earner. Speaking ahead of England’s international fixture against Spain, the midfielder also addressed crowd reaction at Wembley Stadium, mounting a direct defense of Arsenal team-mate Ben White following England’s 2-1 victory over Croatia on November 14.
Arsenal Wage Restructure Secures Midfield Anchor
The impending contract extension solidifies Rice’s operational role at Emirates Stadium following his £105m transfer from West Ham United in 2023. By elevating Rice to the top tier of Arsenal‘s wage hierarchy, manager Mikel Arteta locks down a fundamental piece of his central structure through the peak years of the player’s career.
Arsenal
clubThe breakthrough arrives midway through the 2026-27 autumn calendar as Arsenal manage competing commitments in domestic and European competitions. Securing key personnel before the mid-season period eliminates potential disruption surrounding the core of Arteta’s starting squad.
“A new contract is hopefully on the horizon soon and I’m extremely lucky to be at a club like Arsenal where the manager shows me so much trust and team-mates who put so much energy in to me.”
Rice detailed the operational update in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.