Declan Rice is expecting to commit his long-term future to Arsenal, revealing that a new contract is ‘hopefully on the horizon’.
The 27-year-old's current deal is set to expire in 2028, but the midfielder is confident of agreeing a new long-term contract to extend his stay in North London.
Rice has played a pivotal role so far for Arsenal this season, with Mikel Arteta's side defending their Premier League crown while also targeting a first Champions League triumph.
Speaking at the Estadio Metropolitano ahead of England's meeting with Spain on Sunday evening, Rice said: “I've been extremely lucky that I've managed to play at such a consistent level throughout my career. I'm a player that always sets myself targets, always pushes for more. I've always been stable in the clubs that I'm at.
“A new contract is hopefully on the horizon soon. I'm extremely lucky that I am at a club like Arsenal where the manager shows me so much trust,” he continued.
“I have so many teammates that put so much energy and effort into me. I am extremely lucky that I don't have to worry about that stuff. It makes playing football a lot easier.”
Rice has found the net just once this season, but his influence in midfield has remained crucial to Arsenal's strong start to the campaign, with the Gunners currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table.
Thomas Tuchel will be counting on the midfielder to provide the defensive security against a Spain side that have shown just how dangerous they can be when momentum shifts in their favour.
In last month’s tie between the two sides, Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock after just 106 seconds, before Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored in quick succession to give England the lead before the interval.
However, Spain responded with intensity after the break, and goals from Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal completed the comeback.
La Roja have made a habit of scoring late in games. They have found the net four times after the 75th minute across five Nations League matches, while recovering six points from losing positions.
Asked about Spain's ability to turn games around, Rice said: “It shows the quality and the attacking talent that they have. You can speak about Lamine Yamal, but the other attackers that they have got are special, special players.
“You need to be full gas for 90 minutes in these games. You can't switch off. You need to be mentally ready, always. I remember the game last month, it was an end-to-end game. The game really opened up and there were lots of chances.
“That's exactly what I'm expecting tomorrow night with our attack and their attack. I feel like it will be a really enjoyable spectacle, but also for a player to play in tomorrow night, I feel like it will be a really good test and one that I'm really looking forward to.”
Spain are also a familiar opposition for Rice and a number of his England teammates. Six members of Luis de la Fuente's 28-man squad currently play their football in the Premier League, while Rice could come up against some of his Arsenal teammates on Sunday.
The midfielder has also benefitted from the opportunity to learn from Spanish influences under Mikel Arteta. Despite never making a senior appearance for Spain, the Arsenal manager has borrowed ideas from the country's philosophy to the Premier League.
Asked what he has learned from working alongside Spanish players at Arsenal, Rice explained: “In terms of learning from the Spanish players at Arsenal, for sure. Mikel Arteta is always implementing, or trying to implement a Spanish style where if you're not passing the ball off quick, you're not playing one and two-touch constantly. He wants players to take touches, to think forward, play forward, run forward, take time on the ball.
“Seeing Merino and Zubimendi play, but also David Raya from in goal, the way he plays with his feet is very, very special. I'm lucky I get to play with these guys every week.”
