Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United in the summer of 2023 for £105 million and has since become a central figure in the club’s midfield. His contribution has helped the Gunners secure the Premier League title, while his performances have also made him one of the most influential players in Arteta’s side.
The 27-year-old has scored 22 goals and provided 36 assists in 173 appearances for Arsenal, and his current contract runs until the summer of 2028. The club also hold an option to extend the agreement by another year.
Reports have suggested that Rice is approaching a new contract with the north London club, but the midfielder has made clear that financial considerations are not driving his thinking.
“The money that exists in football as a whole is just absurd,” he told GQ.
“It gives you greater security and makes it possible to do things. But I don't wake up thinking: ‘Oh, I've got loads of money.’ That's not the end goal.”
Rice has also discussed the time it took him to fully understand Arteta’s demands after arriving from West Ham. While he had enjoyed considerable freedom in his previous role, the midfielder says adapting to Arsenal’s tactical structure required patience.
“I think I understand his (Arteta's) game plan fully now. It took me about a year. At West Ham it was a different story. I pretty much did what I wanted. It was a bit of freestyle, you could say,” he explained.
That adjustment has helped Rice become a key part of Arsenal’s system, with his responsibilities extending beyond winning possession and driving forward. His understanding of the manager’s approach has developed alongside his influence on the team.
Despite his standing in the Premier League, Rice believes there is still more to come from him. He is not particularly concerned about outside opinions, confident that his performances will ultimately provide the answer.
“If you think I'm good – good. If you think I'm rubbish – okay. But sooner or later I will prove you wrong,” he said.
Arsenal have made an excellent start to the current campaign, sitting top of the Premier League after the opening ten rounds and winning five consecutive league matches. Rice has contributed five assists so far this season.
With the midfielder under contract for at least another two seasons, Arsenal are in a strong position. However, agreeing an extension would provide further certainty over the future of a player who has become central to Arteta’s plans.