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Declan Rice is close to agreeing a new long-term Arsenal contract, sources have told BBC Sport.
The England midfielder has become a crucial player for the Gunners since his arrival from West Ham for £105m in July 2023.
His current deal expires at the end of next season but BBC Sport revealed in March that talks over a new contract were underway with the process now at an advanced stage.
The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday’s newspapers…
Declan Rice is ready to commit his long-term future to Arsenal, with the Gunners prepared to hand the midfielder a new contract that will keep him at the Emirates until at least the summer of 2031 – talkSPORT
Julian Ward is set to be appointed as Liverpool’s sporting director for the second time as the club finalise their succession
Premier League leaders Arsenal continued their impressive start to the season with a comfortable win at Burnley to make it nine consecutive victories in all competitions.
Goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice sealed the win – their fifth in a row in the league – as Mikel Arteta’s side moved seven points clear at the top, albeit having played a game more than some of their rivals.
It was
Arsenal, who host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday (20:00 BST), have changed their style this season to be more direct and play through defensive lines quicker, which has meant Rice moving deeper alongside Zubimendi when starting attacks.
A recruitment specialist working in top level football told BBC Sport how the signing of Zubimendi has complemented Rice’s game.
He said: “It hasn’t changed what he can do as
Arsenal have been active in the transfer market and have completed deals for Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres expected to follow shortly.
Rice finished the season playing for Arsenal as a more advanced number eight and, with the signings of Norgaard and Zubimendi, it is expected that is where he will continue playing for the Gunners.
“I think the manager now sees
There was relief from Arsenal when Simon Hooper blew the final whistle.
The last few weeks have been a struggle but Arteta can finally start planning for another Champions League campaign after a first home win since 1 April.
His side will be sure of runners-up spot, behind champions Liverpool, if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday – but even if they do, second place will be theirs
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is set to continue playing despite a broken toe.
Rice picked up the injury in Arsenal’s defeat by Newcastle and missed the Gunners’ loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
However, the 25-year-old has been included in Lee Carsley’s 26-man-squad for England’s upcoming games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, and there is optimism he will be fit for Arsenal’s Premier
Referee Chris Kavanagh said he “didn’t like” the decision to send off Declan Rice in Arsenal’s draw with Brighton last month, but said he “had no choice”.
Rice was sent off during the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium for a second yellow card after nudging the ball away from Joel Veltman as he prepared to take a free-kick.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was “amazed, amazed, amazed” at
When Arsenal spent £100m to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice last summer there was a suggestion in some camps that the Gunners had overpaid.
But those voices have quietened as the England international, with some brilliant performances in a more attacking position, has helped fire Arsenal to the top of the table