Arsenal will submit the final paperwork for the transfer of Declan Rice today, intending to announce the move before Sunday.
In recent days, rumblings started to emerge from West Ham United’s end in relation to the deal for the transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal, which still hasn’t been made official.
Reports suggested the Hammers were frustrated by the delays to the move’s confirmation, but it seems everyone will be able to relax soon.
Sky Sports report that West Ham have been promised the deal’s paperwork will be delivered and signed on Friday, and the announcement could be made by the time Arsenal head to the USA on Sunday.
The Telegraph report that Arsenal are indeed aiming to confirm the Rice deal in time for the U.S. tour, with no suggestions of anything going wrong with the deal. The squad leave for the States on Sunday.
The fact Rice has been on holiday over the last fortnight has prevented some of the final details from being signed and sealed, but now that he’s back in England that should no longer be a problem.
David Ornstein has also spoken out to play down fears of any issues with the transfer.
“As far as I know, everything is on track,” Ornstein reassured FIVE viewers.
“When you’re dealing with a transfer of this magnitude, £100m plus £5m in add-ons, and those little complications that occurred around the payment structure, then it does take time!
“There are loads of factors that need to be worked through, on the player’s side, on the club-to-club side, on the intermediaries’ side. I’m not aware of anything untoward.
“From my perspective, there’s nothing to be concerned about.”
This will be a club-record deal for Arsenal, with the Gunners agreeing to pay a guaranteed fee of £100m over 24 months and a potential additional £5m in add-ons.
Rice has already missed Arsenal’s first couple of pre-season fixtures, but if all goes to plan he should now be available for the rest of the summer schedule.
Arsenal’s Pre-Season Fixtures and Results
- Saturday, July 8th – Arsenal 1-1 Watford (Behind closed doors)
- Thursday, July 13th – FC Nurnberg 1-1 Arsenal
- Thursday, July 20th, 01:30 – MLS All-Stars vs Arsenal
- Saturday, July 22nd, 22:00 – Arsenal vs Manchester United
- Thursday, July 27th, 03:30 – Arsenal vs Barcelona
- Wednesday, August 2nd, 18:00 – Arsenal vs Monaco
- Sunday, August 6th, 16:00 – Arsenal vs Manchester City
Times in BST