Rice close to signing new Arsenal contract

Declan Rice has confirmed he is close to signing a new contract with Arsenal.

BBC Sport first revealed the midfielder was set to sign a new long-term deal at Emirates Stadium on 7 October, and the 27-year-old, speaking before England's game against Spain on Sunday, said: "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's current deal expires in 2028 but the former West Ham star is now expected to extended his tenure in north London, having arrived from London Stadium in 2023 in a deal worth £105m.

The midfielder's new contract will put him alongside Bukayo Saka as Arsenal's top earner.

Rice has managed to avoid upheaval during his career and he believes that continuity has helped him to blossom.

"I've been extremely lucky I've managed to play at such a consistent level throughout my career. I always set myself targets, pushing for more," he said.

"I'm extremely Iucky not to have to worry about that stuff as it makes playing football far more easier."