Arteta discusses Arsenal star’s long-term future at the club

Mikel Arteta is confident Declan Rice wants to remain at Arsenal for the long term and believes it is only a matter of time before his future is sorted.

Rice has established himself as one of Arsenal’s most important players since joining from West Ham and Arteta says every conversation he has with the midfielder suggests he is happy at the club.

“My feeling is that he’s very happy here, in every conversation I have with him, and he wants to continue here for the long term,” Arteta said.

“It will be a matter of time before we sort that.”

Arteta also praised Rice’s consistency and the level he continues to produce despite the demands placed on him.

“He’s been very consistent again,” he said.

“What we are demanding him to do every year is very difficult to maintain. He’s doing it, a big credit to him.”

Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield next up and Arteta believes Rice will once again have an important role to play.

“Big players for big matches,” he said.

“We know the kind of performance we need from Dec and the rest of the boys to come away from Anfield with three points.”