Fabrizio Romano Confirms New Contract For ‘Crucial’ Arsenal Player is Now in its ‘Final Stages’

According to a report by Football London on Tuesday October 20, 2026, rumor has it that Arsenal are making good progress in their negotiations to secure Declan Rice’s future at the Emirates Stadium with a new long-term contract.

In a video that was posted on X, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal are actively working to retain Rice, who is considered a key player for the club.

The talks between Arsenal and Rice regarding the new deal have progressed significantly in the past few weeks, as Romano explained, and they are now entering the final stages.

The remaining discussions, according to Romano, center on the duration of the contract and its specifics, but the salary agreement is nearly finished. Reportedly, Arsenal are hopeful that they can reach an agreement.

In addition, he stressed how crucial Rice is to Arsenal’s future by saying the midfielder is beloved by fans, board members, teammates, and manager Mikel Arteta.

According to previous reports from BBC Sport, negotiations are reportedly progressing well. This most recent update confirms this. Based on what is known so far, it appears that Arsenal are making progress toward signing the midfielder.

The new agreement has the potential to raise Rice’s weekly salary from £240,000 to £350,000. That would make him one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players, right up there with Bukayo Saka.

After playing for West Ham United, the midfielder set a club record by joining Arsenal in 2023 for £105 million. The current term of his contract is through 2028, and the club has the option to add a year to it.

Even though he still has time on his current contract, Arsenal are eager to recognize his efforts and solidify his role in Arteta’s project. Reportedly, Rice’s happiness at the club has not wavered since his arrival.

During Sunday’s win over Nottingham Forest, he made an important block that helped Arsenal hold on to their lead and earn another valuable Premier League victory.

As talks over an improved contract for Rice near a possible conclusion, Arsenal will be hoping he keeps up that level of performance in Wednesday’s big Champions League match against Bayern Munich.

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