Arsenal make Declan Rice breakthrough as West Ham agreement ‘finally reached’

Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with West Ham to sign Declan Rice for £105million, according to reports. Manchester City had also made an offer for the England international, but their withdrawal from the transfer race has seen the Gunners forge ahead towards a statement acquisition.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan admitted earlier this month that Rice would leave West Ham before the start of next season. With the player desperate to play in the Champions League, he has enjoyed no shortage of options with last season’s top-three Premier League teams all showing strong interest.

Manchester United and Man City look set to go without, however, as The Daily Mail claim that Arsenal are now closing in on a club record signing. An agreement in principle is believed to have been reached on a deal which will see the Hammers bank a guaranteed £100m, with £5m more in potential add-ons.

City pulled out after seeing a bid worth £90m rejected by West Ham, who are poised to bank a British record fee for their star midfielder and club captain.

Arsenal and West Ham have been engaged in advanced talks, with negotiations on Wednesday centred around clarifying the finer details of the agreement. The Gunners are looking to spread the initial £100m payment over the next four years.

Naturally, West Ham would like the cash over fewer instalments, but the discrepancy is described as ‘minor‘ with the deal expected to become official over the coming days. Rice was always thought to favour a move to Arsenal, despite City’s remarkable Treble accomplishment last campaign.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Express US Sport, former West Ham academy star Sebastian Lletget recently talked through Rice’s situation. “Sometimes you wish it was just one team and then it’s a clear option,” he said.

“I think it’s where the most growth you can make, you know? It’s the right balance of challenge and growth. It’s so tough. Do you want to be coached by Pep [Guardiola] or do you want to be coached by Arteta? It’s a really good problem [to have]. I would choose Arsenal.”