Arsenal are nearing the endgame in their pursuit of Declan Rice, West Ham’s captain. After protracted negotiations, the £105m deal is now only inches from the finish line, expected to be paid in three instalments over 24 months.

This move, Arsenal’s costliest yet, is a statement of intent from the Gunners, heralding a fresh chapter of ambition and hope at the Emirates Stadium.

• Arsenal are on the brink of sealing a record-breaking £105m deal for West Ham’s Declan Rice, with payments expected in three instalments over two years. 
• Talks regarding the type of add-ons are the only thing left to agree.
• Manchester City were also keen on Rice but stepped back as Arsenal’s determination saw them raise their bid above £100m.
• The signing of Rice marks a significant investment by Arsenal who have already bought Germany’s Kai Havertz for £65m and are close to finalising a £40m deal for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber. 

In what could be one of the most significant transfers of the year, Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of securing West Ham United’s linchpin, Declan Rice.

The deal, if completed, is expected to stand at a whopping £105 million, making it one of the largest in the history of the league.

A peek into Arsenal’s proposed payment structure

While the proposed £105 million price tag is the headline-grabbing figure, the details underlying Arsenal’s suggested payment structure are equally fascinating.

Instead of making a lump sum payment, Arsenal are taking a more strategic approach in this high-stakes negotiation, as tends to happen with deals this large.

According to reports from trusted sources, the North London club will pay the guaranteed £100m in three instalments, all to be paid by the summer of 2025.

West Ham initially wanted it all paid by the summer of 2024 and Arsenal wanted until 2028 to pay the full £100m.

Rice’s aspirations driving the potential transfer

Sources indicate that Rice is eager to join the Arsenal ranks. This seems to be an integral factor in the ongoing negotiations, with Rice’s aspiration to play at the Emirates potentially simplifying the deal-making process.

Having voiced his desire to compete at the highest level and participate in Champions League football, Rice views Arsenal as a platform that can help him realise his career objectives.

While the deal is yet to be inked, it echoes a significant declaration of intent from Arsenal, who are striving to reclaim their stature in English football.

The intricate proposed payment structure demonstrates the financial sagacity at work behind the scenes, and fans are optimistic that Rice’s potential arrival might herald a new chapter of success for the club.

Rice’s Arsenal shirt number

Rice has previously expressed his desire to retain the number 41 shirt, should he part ways with West Ham.

“To be honest with you, I’ve been having this conversation with my Dad, regardless of what happens in my career, I think I might stay with the 41,” he shared with Gary Neville on The Overlap.

“I don’t know, I just think Rice 41 has a nice ring to it, obviously, I’ve grown up playing in it. I’m a bit superstitious with things like that, I don’t know if I change to a new number it would hamper my performances, I don’t know I just think sometimes about a couple things like that.”

No player from the Arsenal first team has ever worn the number 41.

Previous bearers of the number 41 include Mauro Bandeira (22/23), Ben Cottrell (20/21), Robbie Burton (19/20), Josh Dasilva (16/17), Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (10/11), Gavin Hoyte (08/09), Joe O’Cearuill (06/07), Arturo Lupoli (05/06), Chris Wright (04/05), and Craig Holloway (02/03).

However, Bandeira has switched to 40 for the upcoming season.

Currently, the available first team squad numbers are 2, 13, 17, and 23.