RICE FINALLY SERVED Declan Rice’s £105m transfer to Arsenal expected to be finalised on Monday with deal set to be struck on payment terms

WEST HAM hope to agree payment terms with Arsenal for the £105m transfer of Declan Rice by Monday.

Posted Saturday, July 01, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk

The Gunners have agreed a deal in principle to sign England star Rice, 24, for a record fee between two British clubs - £100m plus £5m add-ons.

RICE FINALLY SERVED Declan Rice’s £105m transfer to Arsenal expected to be finalised on Monday with deal set to be struck on payment terms
Declan Rice is poised to complete his record-breaking move across London Credit: PA

Despite also agreeing on personal terms, negotiations have continued regarding the payment structure of the upfront £100m sum.

Hammers chiefs want it all by the start of 2025 – whereas Arsenal would prefer financially to stagger a section of it across a longer period.

SunSport now understands that sources close to the deal expect those negotiations to conclude by the start of next week.

These minor payment issues have never been seen as derailing, but West Ham have been digging their heels in to get the deal they want.

Both Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Rice are desperate to get this over the line as quickly as possible, with a medical ready to be arranged as soon as they get the green light.

Rice is still on holiday, and was not expected back at West Ham for another two weeks following his Three Lions exploits against Malta and North Macedonia.

But Arteta wants Rice fully integrated at Arsenal before heading off on their pre-season tour to the States, their opening game coming on July 20 against the MLS All-Stars.

Arsenal submitted their third offer for Rice on Tuesday night, having previously had two offers rejected, including a then club-record £75m plus £15m in add-ons.

Rivals Manchester City also had an £80m plus £10m offer on Monday night, only to surprisingly pull out of the pursuit on Tuesday morning.

City were not willing to exceed their own evaluation of the player, and hesitant to surpass the £100m they forked out for Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in August 2021.

Arsenal have already confirmed the £65m arrival of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, and are close to securing a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber for around £40m as well.