Arsenal have initiated contract negotiations with Declan Rice as the Premier League leaders seek to secure their star midfielder's future. The England international joined the Gunners from West Ham in a £105m deal in 2023 and has since become one of Europe's top midfielders. Rice has made 102 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and earned 72 caps for England.

This move follows Arsenal's recent pattern of tying down key players, with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri all signing extensions in the past year. The club has also opened talks with Jurrien Timber for an improved deal, while David Raya and Leandro Trossard received contract upgrades without additional years.

Arsenal currently lead the Premier League table by seven points over Manchester City, who hold a game in hand. The Gunners face Everton at home this weekend, while City travel to West Ham. Arsenal's last English league title came in 2004 under Arsene Wenger, making Rice's potential long-term commitment crucial to ending their 20-year wait for domestic glory.