Declan Rice has revealed he is on the verge of extending his stay at Arsenal, confirming that a new long-term contract is imminent at Emirates Stadium.

Speaking ahead of England's match against Spain on Sunday, the 27-year-old midfielder 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 joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 in a deal worth £105 million, and his current contract runs until 2028. The new deal is expected to extend his time in north London well beyond that date.

Matching Arsenal's top earners

Once signed, Rice's new contract will place him alongside Bukayo Saka as one of Arsenal's highest-paid players — a reflection of the central role he has come to occupy under manager Mikel Arteta.

Consistency at the core

Rice credits the stability he has enjoyed throughout his career as a key factor behind his development as a player. He has rarely faced the kind of contract uncertainty that can disrupt a footballer's form and focus.

"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 lucky not to have to worry about that stuff as it makes playing football far more easier," he added.

BBC Sport first reported on 7 October that Rice was set to put pen to paper on a new long-term deal, and the England international has now publicly confirmed those talks are well advanced.