Arsenal are facing one more small obstacle before they can announce the signing of Declan Rice as the Gunners are made to make good their promise to West Ham. Rice is set to become the most expensive English player in history when he completes his £105million transfer to the Emirates Stadium after agreeing to join Mikel Arteta’s side for next season, but the deal has been held up with paperwork issues.
The 24-year-old has agreed terms on a long-term contract with the north London side and all that is left is an official announcement to confirm Rice as an Arsenal player, with the player already undertaking his media duties.
He will become the most expensive British player in history with Arsenal paying £105m in total for the transfer, surpassing Jack Grealish’s £100m move to Manchester City in 2021.
However, the final paperwork is yet to be arranged and that has held up the deal, with West Ham waiting on Arsenal to give the go-ahead before they can push through deals to replace Rice.
According to Sky Sports News, West Ham have been ‘promised’ that the paperwork will be sent over signed on Friday to seal the deal, bringing an end to several weeks of drawn-out negotiations between the two clubs.
Rice has been spotted training in Portugal as he waits for his transfer to go through. He is not yet able to meet his new team-mates, unlike £65m signing Kai Havertz, as they travelled for their pre-season friendly with German outfit Nurnberg on Thursday.
Rice may well be confirmed as an Arsenal player by the time the club head off to the United States for their pre-season tour, while Jurrien Timber’s move has also hit a snag over paperwork delays.
If Arsenal succeed in wrapping up the Rice and Timber deals before the end of the week, Arteta may be able to call upon the pair for a multi-friendly tour.
The Gunners have already been training at their London Colney base and with a pre-season fixture against the MLS All-Stars on July 20 before facing Manchester United in New Jersey two days later.
From West Ham’s point of view, David Moyes is now waiting for confirmation before pulling the trigger on three potential new signings. Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria and Real Betis defender Luiz Felipe are poised to become the first two new faces to arrive using the cash made from Rice’s sale, with the pair costing around £25m combined.
Moyes is also looking to bring in a direct replacement for Rice and Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who could be available for £30m, is on his list.
McTominay is among those who could be allowed to leave after Mason Mount signed in a £60m deal, with Erik ten Hag keen to raise funds to spend on Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
