An Arsenal leader will soon renew his contract!
Arsenal and Declan Rice are moving in the right direction as they work through talks over a fresh deal. Nothing has been signed off just yet, but there is a sense of optimism on all sides, with those involved expecting to wrap up negotiations before too long, according to caughtoffside.
Declan Rice will stay at Arsenal
Meanwhile, the club's hierarchy is dealing with a much murkier picture when it comes to three other important names. The players in question are Kai Havertz, David Raya and skipper Martin Ødegaard. All three are tied to the Gunners until 2028, yet there is far less certainty about where their long-term futures lie.
The source notes that word has repeatedly circulated in recent months that discussions with these players were on the verge of getting underway. Even so, little has actually shifted, and there is still no fresh information about their contracts.
That said, the slow pace of negotiations does not automatically spell trouble. A range of factors could be influencing how things are unfolding, but Arsenal will be keen not to let matters drag on indefinitely — particularly given how central Havertz, Raya and Ødegaard are to the current squad.