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Romano reveals Arsenal optimism as official talks with €100m superstar start
Tom Weber
- Updated: 13 Mar 2026 17:41 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Arsenal have officially opened talks with Declan Rice over a new contract, according to Sami Mokbel and Fabrizio Romano.
The England superstar is set to join the long list of Arsenal players who have committed their peak years to the club, following in the footsteps of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and, most recently, Bukayo Saka.
Rice has been a superb signing for the Gunners since joining for €116.6 million from West Ham in 2023, establishing himself as arguably the Premier League's most complete midfielder. He currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €101.3m.
Current ETV
Declan Rice
M, DM (C)
Arsenal
Declan Rice
M, DM (C)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€91.1M - €111.4M
The 27-year-old still has over two years to run on his existing terms, plus the option to extend his contract by a further season, but Arsenal have now officially initiated talks over a new deal, according to BBC reporter Sami Mokbel and Fabrizio Romano.
These discussions are at an early stage. Given the time remaining on his current deal, there is no rush to sort an agreement, but Arsenal want to signal their clear intent to keep Rice and to ensure that he stays at the club long-term.
Timber also in line for new deal
Romano reports that "all parties [are] optimistic" that an agreement will be reached. Rice is likely to join the aforementioned Saka at the top of the Gunners' wage bill when all is said and done.
In addition to the former West Ham man, Arsenal are also set to hand right-back Jurrien Timber a new contract. Negotiations with the Dutchman have been in full swing for a few months already.
A full agreement and subsequent announcement of the deal shouldn't be too far away, considering that Timber is understood to be very keen to extend his contract and receive a well-earned pay rise.
The 24-year-old has become one of the best full-backs in world football at the Emirates. Like Rice, Timber is under contract until 2028, having joined from Ajax for €40m in 2023.
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