Mikel Arteta said Declan Rice wants to stay at Arsenal for the long term and that resolving his future is a matter of time. Ahead of Arsenal's away match against Liverpool at Anfield, Arteta also outlined Rice's importance.
Arteta on Rice's future
Arteta said: "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."
Rice's standing at Arsenal
Rice has established himself as one of Arsenal’s most important players since joining from West Ham.
Arteta praised Rice’s consistency and the level he continues to produce despite the demands placed on him. Arteta said: "What we are demanding him to do every year is very difficult to maintain. He’s doing it, a big credit to him."
Focus on Liverpool
Arsenal's next match is away to Liverpool at Anfield.
Arteta said Rice will have an important role to play against Liverpool. Arteta 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."
