Arsenal are close to agreeing a fee with West Ham United for Declan Rice in the region of £100m when including add-ons, according to a report.
Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian reports that Arsenal are close to agreeing a fee for Declan Rice with West Ham, and they’re expected to pay over £100m if add-on conditions are met.
Steinberg clarifies that Arsenal are yet to submit a formal bid, but talks are progressing smoothly and there’s confidence a deal will soon be finalised.
Personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue, and sources suggest the chances of a rival club making a move are fading.
West Ham outlet Claret and Hugh report that a £100m+ bid from Arsenal is imminent, with the offer expected this week.
Rice’s representatives are believed to have already agreed terms with Arsenal, and the player has informed West Ham that the Emirates Stadium is his preferred destination, forcing Bayern Munich and Manchester United to look elsewhere.
On that same note, Florian Plettenberg reports that Bayern are aware of Arsenal’s offer, and a transfer to the Bundesliga is “very unlikely” for Rice as it stands. But the German club are continuing to discuss the player internally.
Football insider Team News and Ticks confirms that Arsenal are yet to submit an official offer, but that’s in keeping with the claims made by the other sources.
It seems the Gunners are trying to establish exactly what kind of bid they need to make before making it, to give the deal the best chance of going through at that point.
Fabrizio Romano reported last week that Arsenal’s official bid to sign Rice was expected very soon, with the Gunners holding “positive talks” over the signing in recent days.
Romano added that Arsenal feel they’re ahead of Bayern in the race, as the player’s preference is to keep playing in England.
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has already confirmed that Rice is likely to leave this summer.
“I think it has to be [his last game],” Sullivan said after the Europa Conference League final. “We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going.
“You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season. He has to get on and we have to get a replacement.
“You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
24-year-old Rice made 50 appearances for West Ham this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists from his defensive midfield role.
After helping West Ham to avoid relegation, he captained them to Europa Conference League success over Fiorentina last week.
Rice is also an England international, making 41 appearances for his country, and he’s currently in training with Gareth Southgate’s squad.