Arsenal’s £105million Declan Rice transfer DELAYED as West Ham reject Gunners’ multi-year payment plan
WEST HAM are still waiting for Arsenal to compromise on their £105million payment plan for Declan Rice.
SunSport has been told by sources close to the deal that “the ball is in Arsenal’s court”.
The Gunners yesterday agreed a deal in principle to sign Rice, 24, for a record fee between two British clubs — £100m plus £5m add-ons.
However, with personal terms also already settled, transfer talks remain ongoing over the structure of the up-front £100m sum.
Hammers chiefs want it all by early 2025, whereas Arsenal would prefer to stagger it across a five-year period.
It is not expected to become an issue that will derail the move and a settlement is said to be “very close”.
But West Ham are still digging their heels in to get the deal they want.
Both Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Rice are desperate to get this over the line as quickly as possible, with a medical to be arranged as soon as they get the green light.
Arteta also wants Rice fully integrated before Arsenal’s pre-season tour to the US next month.
The Gunners yesterday confirmed the £65m arrival of Kai Havertz from Chelsea.
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And they hope to soon secure a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber for around £40m.
It would take Arsenal’s total spend for the summer to a whopping £210m.
That’s £44m more than the combined spend of £166m across the previous two windows.
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