Arsenal still haven’t finalised payment terms for the transfer of West Ham United’s Declan Rice, though all parties continue to work towards a compromise.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: Declan Rice, Captain of West Ham United lifts the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy after the team's victory over ACF Fiorentina on June 07, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: Declan Rice, Captain of West Ham United lifts the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy after the team’s victory over ACF Fiorentina on June 07, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Simon Stone of the BBC reports that Arsenal and West Ham United still haven’t reached an agreement over payment terms for Declan Rice’s proposed move to Arsenal.

West Ham agreed to a £105m fee to sell Rice earlier this week, but negotiations continued over the payment schedule of the deal.

Arsenal wanted to pay over four or five years, whilst the Hammers were looking to receive the entire guaranteed fee within 18 months.

A couple of days later, it seems the two clubs still haven’t found a way to meet in the middle.

Declan Rice Arsenal transfers - ALKMAAR, NETHERLANDS - MAY 18: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg match between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United at AFAS Stadion on May 18, 2023 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
ALKMAAR, NETHERLANDS: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg match between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United at AFAS Stadion on May 18, 2023. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

David Ornstein suggests all parties are “working on a compromise”, with Arsenal making a proposal to West Ham on how the payment structure would work.

Ornstein added that he expects Arsenal will do what they need to do to get the deal done, having had a fee accepted, and the move “should get wrapped up in due course”.

Yet the journalist clarified that he doesn’t know if a full agreement is imminent, and it could still be days away.

Declan Rice Arsenal transfers LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Declan Rice of West Ham United looks on as they walk out of the tunnel prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of West Ham United looks on as they walk out of the tunnel prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 26, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The delay is sure to induce some nerves in Arsenal fans, particularly after the Mykhaylo Mudryk saga in January.

Manchester City have made it clear they don’t plan to match Arsenal’s bid, but there’s always the possibility that West Ham simply keep Rice around for another year.

Whilst that’s certainly unlikely at this stage, the deal isn’t done until both clubs have signed it off.

Rice is currently on holiday, after finally concluding a long season with a couple of games on international duty over the last fortnight.

The 24-year-old made 50 appearances for West Ham and 11 appearances for England over the last 12 months.

After a well-earned break, it looks like the 24-year-old will be linking up with new teammates in pre-season.