Rice Should Demand Out This Summer, Says Durham, After Arsenal's "Insulting" Saka Deal

Declan Rice has been advised to push for a departure from Arsenal this summer, with a prominent radio pundit arguing the midfielder has been left feeling undervalued following Bukayo Saka's lucrative new contract.

The Gunners splashed out £105m to recruit Rice from West Ham in summer 2023—their record transfer fee—but the England international now finds himself outearned following Saka's fresh terms, which see the winger pocket more than £300,000 weekly and become the club's highest-paid player.

Adrian Durham, speaking on the talkSPORT Daily podcast, believes this represents a snub to Rice's contribution and work ethic. "In one stroke, Declan Rice's commitment and quality has been totally disrespected," Durham declared, adding that Saka's improved deal amounts to "an insult to Declan Rice."

The radio host outlined Rice's qualities in unsparing terms. "He gives everything every game. He's always available, he covers every blade of grass, he never rolls around pretending to be injured, he's the heartbeat of the team, he's more of a captain than [Martin] Odegaard will ever be."

Durham's prescription? Rice should either extract a significantly improved contract from Arsenal or engineer a summer exit. "If I was Declan Rice's agent, I'm pinning Arteta up against the wall, asking what's going on," he said. "I'm advising him to demand a new improved contract, and if Arsenal can't deliver that, force a move out of the club in the summer."

The pundit acknowledged Saka's deservingness of his new deal while emphasising Rice's marketability. "There are a number of clubs across Europe who would happily take Declan Rice, they'd pay a lot of money for Declan Rice, they'd pay him a lot of money as well, he's in a very strong position."

The timing of the commentary comes as Arsenal's form wobbles, having won just two of their last seven Premier League outings. Manchester City could close to within two points of the leaders with victory over Newcastle United at the Etihad on Saturday.