Arsenal have reportedly made the breakthrough in negotiations with West Ham United for midfielder Declan Rice.
Ever since Hammers chairman David Sullivan acknowledged after the Europa Conference League final that the club captain would be available for the right price, speculation regarding the England’s international’s future has been constant.
Reports have frequently indicated that his preference is a switch to Arsenal, holding a desire to remain in London over relocating to the North-West.
However, a move to Manchester City had become more likely over the past week with the Premier League runners-up struggling to finalise a quick deal with their West Ham counterparts.
City, the recently-crowned treble winners, have looked to match Arsenal all the way, offering similar terms but over a more favourable structure for West Ham.
Nevertheless, it emerged earlier this week that City had made the decision to withdraw from the race to sign the 24-year-old, leaving Arsenal with a free run at Rice.
According to The Athletic and backed up by other outlets, Arsenal have now agreed a £105m fee ahead of completing a British-record deal.
Arsenal’s hierarchy are said to have indicated that they are prepared to pay a guaranteed £100m for Rice with a further £5m coming in add-ons.
Although Rice only has one year left on his contract, West Ham possess an option to extend his terms by a further 12 months, leaving them in a position where they could command their asking price.
The development with Rice comes at the same time that Arsenal have announced that they have signed Chelsea forward Kai Havertz in what is believed to be a £65m deal.
Furthermore, Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is expected to arrive at the Emirates Stadium, which will theoretically take Arsenal’s spending above the £200m mark.
That would leave Arteta needing to recoup funds from elsewhere, with the Rice transfer expected to result in Granit Xhaka departing for Bayer Leverkusen.
Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nicolas Pepe and Folarin Balogun may also leave Arsenal, helping them keep in line with FFP criteria.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
