Arsenal fans are losing their patience over the transfer saga involving Declan Rice and West Ham United.
The deal as reported by multiple sources is very close after West Ham accepted Arsenal’s £105 million deal to bring Rice to North London.
We understand the deal is at the final stages of negotiation, with West Ham holding out for a shorter payment structure.
We understand that Arsenal wants to spread the guaranteed £100 million across five seasons, while West Ham are holding out for a two-year payment structure.
West Ham were placed on UEFA Financial Fair Play watchlist last September, having spent €194.5 million to bring in new players in the summer of 2022. The Hammers are desperate to recoup the numbers before UEFA’s next assessment.
The sale of Declan Rice for £100 million gives West Ham room to get themselves out of trouble with UEFA and that has been the delay in the deal.
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However, reports suggest the two clubs have reached a compromise, with Arsenal willing to pay the deal till the end of 2025. Meaning, an announcement is imminent.
With the compromise in place, the two clubs are currently brushing over the £5 million add-ons before giving green light for Arsenal to schedule a medical with Rice.
Mikel Arteta is pushing to get his number one summer target over the line, while a deal for Jurrien Timber is all but agreed with the announcement also expected before the end of the week.
Arsenal announced the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea last week and wants to wrap up deals for Rice and Timber before holding talks with Thomas Partey over his future.
Arsenal will also give their permission for Granit Xhaka’s proposed move to Bayer Leverkusen in the coming days.
The Gunners are still interested in Romeo Lavia but are yet to open talks with Southampton over a deal for the midfielder. However, the outcome of the discussion with Partey and his representatives may change the approach towards Lavia.
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