Arsenal are extremely keen to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice during the summer transfer window
Declan Rice's transfer to Arsenal appears to be edging closer each day.
Arsenal have since submitted a club record transfer offer for Rice, football.london understands, with Manchester City pulling out of the race to sign the 24-year-old after seeing a £90m bid turned down by the Hammers. football.london has now rounded up everything you need to know about Rice's future below.
Done deal
As per transfer guru Dean Jones, everything is more or less done in the Rice deal, with the club preparing for his unveiling.
“I’m told that it’s basically done now", Jones told Givemesport. "Everything’s ready for his unveiling, everything I’m hearing is positive.
"Arsenal want to make a big deal out of this transfer as it really is a serious moment in their rise under Arteta.”
Worries calmed
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has urged Arsenal fans not to worry about the Gunners' move for Rice collapsing.
The Italian claimed that the deal is very close. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “What I can say guys is this is really close. Trust me, really, really close for Declan Rice to Arsenal.
“The rumours that circulated today on social media about Arsenal or West Ham walking away from the deal, at the moment, I’m told this is not correct, while I’m speaking. The negotiation is very advanced. It’s really at the final bits, they are discussing the final points of this story.
“The medical has not been booked yet, but it will happen in the next days if everything goes to plan. So, no worries, Arsenal fans. Declan Rice is really close and it’s about the final discussions on the payment terms to get it done.”
Final agreement close
Arsenal appear on the verge of completing a £105m summer transfer for West Ham star Declan Rice.
Talks over the payment structure and timing of instalments took place over the weekend and now it looks as though both parties are close to striking a 'final agreement', as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Announcement hint
Arsenal fans were sent into a transfer frenzy on Sunday night after possibly spotting a major Declan Rice transfer announcement hint.
A final agreement over the £105million is said to be close and it could be sorted as soon as Monday with some on social media believing they've been given a hint from Arsenal themselves as to when it will be concluded, in the form of stadium tours.
The club have announced that on July 3 some routes of the tour will be closed at the Emirates Stadium, while July 8 will see all routes closed.
Rice transfer delay explained
Arsenal are hopeful of finalising a transfer for Declan Rice in the upcoming week after reaching a £105million verbal agreement with West Ham last Tuesday
According to the Mirror, most of the details have been sorted but the Hammers are now 'haggling 'over the timing of instalments'.
West Ham transfer hope
Declan Rice's transfer to Arsenal could be finalised on Monday, according to the Sun.
Their new report claims that West Ham are hopeful talks over payment terms will be completed in the next 48 hours for their captain's £105million move to Emirates Stadium.
Deal structure rejected
West Ham have rejected Arsenal's latest offer for Declan Rice over a difference in payment terms, according to a reports from The Sun. The Hammers have agreed a £105million deal in principal for the midfielder, but one of the current stumbling blocks remains the length at which the money is paid.
The report claims the "ball is in Arsenal’s court", though it is believed that this slight issue shouldn't derail the potential deal going ahead.
Medical approved
Declan Rice has been given the green light to complete a medical with Arsenal ahead of a potential transfer this summer, reports TalkSPORT. The West Ham midfielder is said to be ready to make the move, with a deal in principle agreed at a club-record £105million, leaving minor details to be ironed out before a confirmation.
Arsenal agree deal in principle to sign Rice
Arsenal are on the verge of signing their No 1 target Declan Rice after agreeing a deal in principle with West Ham worth £105m, according to The Daily Mail. Having tabled their third offer, comprising of £100m in guaranteed cash plus a further £5m in bonuses, officials from both clubs were locked in advanced talks on Wednesday with a view to ironing out the finer details of the deal's structure.
Arsenal's offer proposed the guaranteed portion of the fee be paid over the course of four years. West Ham ideally want the cash paid in two instalments by the start of 2025. But the issue has been described as minor and not a point that will see the deal collapse, with both clubs now working towards reaching an agreement rather than haggling over the price.
Another significant development this morning arrived when West Ham received information that Rice wanted them to accept Arsenal's £105m offer. Formally agreeing personal terms will not be an issue, with Rice to sign a long term contract worth at least £250,000-per-week.
Arsenal contract details 'revealed'
A report from the Daily Star last month stated that Rice currently earns £60,000-a-week at the London Stadium, with his salary expected to quadruple to £240,000-a-week at Arsenal. The increase would see him become the Gunners second-highest paid player behind Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.
Man City out of Rice race
Manchester City have pulled out of the race to sign Declan Rice and will not be matching Arsenal's £105m bid made on Tuesday. The Premier League champions made a bid worth £90m which was rejected and have chosen to end their pursuit of the West Ham midfielder following the Gunners' increased offer.
Negotiations planned over £105m structure
West Ham and Arsenal plan to enter more negotiations on June 28 as they look to reach an agreement over the structure of the move, football.london understands. West Ham want more of the overall guaranteed fee paid in a shorter amount of time than Arsenal have initially proposed, it is believed a compromise with those terms could see an agreement reached.
Huge bid made
Arsenal have made their third bid for Declan Rice in excess of £100million, according to a report from the Athletic. The Gunners are believed to have lodged an offer worth £100million in guaranteed fees, with £5million in add-ons, though it remains to be seen how West Ham will respond.
Full details
On first inspection, City's bid doesn't seem much higher than Arsenal's most recent offer, which was £75million+£15million but football.london understands that the Citizens' offered more upfront compared to the north Londoners whilst also paying in fewer instalments.
Their add-ons were also seen as more achievable, which is key for West Ham. Still, football.london understands that the Hammers rejected City's offer, still holding out for £100million for Rice.
Man City bid
Manchester City have submitted a first formal offer to West Ham for Declan Rice, according to a report from The Athletic. City are said to be offering a total package worth £90million, with £80million up front and £10million in add-ons, totaling the same amount that Arsenal offered in their second bid that was rejected.
Arteta verdict
Mikel Arteta has spoken publicly for the first time on Declan Rice as Arsenal prepare their third bid to try and sign the West Ham captain.
In an interview with Spanish outlet Marca, Arteta was asked if the £100million fee demand from West Ham for the midfielder was valid, however he remained coy on the topic. The Arsenal boss said: "I can't talk about players who are not in the club. "I prefer not to say anything."
Man City stance
Arsenal have been handed a huge Declan Rice transfer boost because of Manchester City's stance on signing the player.
According to The Mirror, City will only launch an official bid if the 24-year-old gives them assurances that he wants to join them.
Arsenal advantage
Arsenal will sign Declan Rice if they match the figure that West Ham want for the player, football.london understands, regardless of Manchester City's attempts. Suggestions of a bid by the Gunners’ main rivals for Rice, Manchester City, are understood to be premature but that an offer is imminent as is a third from Arsenal.
Man City 'confident'
Manchester City are confident that they can reach an agreement with West Ham for Declan Rice, according to football transfers expert Gianluca Di Marzio.
The journalist reported: "The arrival of #Rice is approaching for @ManCity: confidence for the definitive agreement with @WestHam."
Man City preparing Rice approach
Manchester City are preparing a bid to sign West Ham star Declan Rice, football.london understands.
A £90million bid sent by Arsenal was rejected earlier this week but the Gunners are expected to return soon with an offer that will come close to West Ham's £100million valuation.
West Ham reject £90m offer
Arsenal have seen their second bid for Declan Rice rejected by West Ham, according to the Athletic's David Ornstein.
The Gunners' second formal offer was worth £90million, with a £75million upfront fee and a further £15million available in add-ons, but the Hammers are standing firm on their £100million valuation.
Record bid readied
Arsenal are set to make a second bid for Rice but the value will remain under £100million, football.london understands.
The move would be a club-record for the Gunners if it were to go through, with the current holder of that title being Nicolas Pepe at £72million.
Man City move
Manchester City may be looking to hijack Arsenal's move for Declan Rice this summer as Fabrizio Romano reports that the Premier League champions enquired over the latest status of the midfielder on Friday. The Cityzens are said to hold interest in the England international, but are yet to make a move.
Chelsea demand
Chelsea have pleaded with West Ham to delay their decision over selling Rice early on this summer, according to the Guardian. It is said that the Blues have instead asked for their London rivals to wait until later on in the window, by which point they are hopeful of selling players themselves and securing ample funds to mount a serious bid themselves.
Bid structure
Arsenal are still expected to lodge another bid for the player in the coming weeks.
Man City issue
Arsenal may have to act fast in their interest for Declan Rice in the summer transfer window as the Athletic reports that rivals Manchester City are now actively exploring the potential to complete a deal to sign the 24-year-old.
Offer made
Arsenal have made an opening offer to West Ham for midfielder Declan Rice this summer, according to a report from the Athletic. Gunners chief executive Tim Lewis held a meeting with Hammers counterpart Karen Brady at the Premier League Annual General Meeting, where discussions were held over a move for the England international.
United warning
Arsenal have been warned by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano that they need to move fast if they want to sign Rice.
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano said: "I really hope for Arsenal fans that this is fast. Sometimes for Arsenal, and it’s not about Edu or Arteta, it’s about the owners, sometimes to do big signings you need the approval of the owners.
"We have seen in the past with the Mykhaylo Mudryk deal and the Gabriel Jesus deal other clubs tried to come in at the end like Tottenham and Chelsea, Arsenal protected that with Edu and his Brazilian connections. Sometimes Arsenal are too slow due to the owners when it comes to big names.
"In this case they have to be fast, the timing is going to be crucial. We don’t know what will happen with Manchester United, maybe next week they will have new owners and who knows what happens?
"Maybe they enter the situation where their presence is unexpected. Being fast in this moment of the market is absolutely important."
Bayern pull out
German transfer insider Florian Plettenberg has now reported that Bayern have pulled out of the race to sign Rice, who is on the 'verge' of joining Arsenal.
Writing on Twitter, Plettenberg said: "News #Rice: NO transfer! Bayern has decided today not to submit an offer after all - confirmed.
"It was the clear trend for days and as reported on Friday, because Rice became more and more expensive. He’s on verge to join @Arsenal now! First call BILD. @SkySportDE."
West Ham 'agreement'
According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, West Ham are ready to accept Arsenal's £100million offer to sign Rice this summer. Bayern are aware of the Gunners' bid and are expected to discuss a late move for the England international this week.
Bayern meeting
According to reports in Germany, Bayern want to discuss Rice internally again today. Club chiefs are still sceptical over pursuing a deal for the 24-year-old with Arsenal now firmly leading the race for his signature.
£100m deal
Arsenal are closing in on an agreement with West Ham to sign midfield star Declan Rice this summer, according to reports from the Guardian. The Gunners are expected to complete a deal that will cost upwards of £100million, should add-ons included in the transfer be met.
Rice response
A viral video has recently been posted on TikTok, one that shows Rice downplaying talk of him leaving West Ham.
When asked by a young fan where he would like to go, the England midfielder replies: "Nowhere, I'm West Ham."
"I don't, West Ham is my one," he continues when quizzed again. The video was posted by TikTok user Virajplays4, who claims that it had been filmed on Saturday.
Positive talks held
Arsenal have held positive talks with Rice in recent days, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that an official bid is expected to be lodged in the coming days.
Writing on Twitter, Romano said: "Arsenal will enter into crucial stages of Declan Rice deal next week.
"Official bid expected very soon after positive talks in the recent days. (White emoji) (Red emoji) #AFC Gunners feel they’re ahead of Bayern as player priority is to continue in England — but timing will be crucial for Arsenal."
Smith Rowe swap
According to The Sun, West Ham are interested in signing Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe as part of any deal that would see Rice join the Gunners.
It is claimed that Hammers boss David Moyes is a huge fan of Smith Rowe, who struggled for game time last season after suffering from a number of injuries. The report goes on to claim that Rice is very keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium
Rice message
Rice has taken to social media to send a message to West Ham supporters, thanking them for all their support in recent times. The England international's Instagram caption read: "Thank you to the fans, staff, my friends and my family for all the support.
"I’m glad we could bring it home for you. It’s an honour to Captain this Football Club. History Makers (Trophy emoji)." The comments section was filled with Arsenal fans telling him to complete a move to north London.
Exit confirmed
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Declan Rice "has to" have played his last game for the club ahead of the summer transfer window. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "I think it has to be [Rice's final game for West Ham]. 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. In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.
"It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down. It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there."
Arsenal stance
football.london understands that Arsenal are confident they have a strong offer for Rice but they also feel that it will ultimately come down to the player to decide amid interest from a host of other top European clubs, including the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Arteta advantage
As per The Guardian, there is a mutual admiration between Rice and Arsenal boss Arteta, who rates the England international for more than his defensive attributes.
It is claimed that Manchester United may also decide to make a late move for the 24-year-old but their current focus is said to be on recruiting a striker, leaving the Gunners as the current favourites to sign the Hammers captain
Rice's England preference
Despite talks with Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, Declan Rice is reluctant to leave England this summer, according to The Guardian.
The midfielder's preference to remain in the country leaves Arsenal as the favourites to sign him following West Ham's Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.
Tuchel gives Bayern hope
Declan Rice could still sign to Bayern Munich despite currently preferring a Premier League move following another meeting with the German champions.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is the main driving force behind their pursuit, according to Sky Sports Germany, with bosses continuing to discuss the West Ham captain amid the preparation of an official offer being made.
Bayern snubbed
Rice will prioritise a move to the Premier League , with the 24-year-old set to snub a move to Bayern, according to the Daily Mail.
It is claimed that Arsenal are frontrunners in the race to sign Rice, with the player thought to be keen to stay in London. However, Manchester United remain in the race despite their limited transfer budget, with the Red Devils prepared to offer a player plus cash offer in an attempt to sign the England international.
The report adds that Arsenal are set to make an opening offer in the region of £90 million after West Ham have played in their Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina next week.
Details of Tuchel phone call
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel made his plans for Declan Rice very clear in a phone call between the two that took place earlier this week.
According to The Times, Tuchel told Rice he sees him as the perfect holding midfielder for his team with the Bundesliga champions ready to pay an £85million transfer fee for the West Ham captain.
Rice 'options open'
Arsenal look to clearly be in pole position to sign West Ham star Declan Rice this summer, however that may not be the case according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, he said: "It’s true that there is also Bayern interest, but at the moment it’s not that advanced, so Arsenal still feel they are the favourites to sign Declan Rice.
"But again, this is not something guaranteed yet. From what I understand, we had some reports in England the last two, three days that Rice already made it clear that he only wants to join Arsenal. I’m told this is not clear yet.
"I was speaking to some sources and they told me be careful because Declan Rice is keeping all the options open. Of course, Arsenal is a concrete option but this is not 100% guaranteed yet. So I think this is still an open race. They want more than £100m for Rice so this going to be a big fight, but for sure Arsenal are in the race."
Bayern bid
Bayern are prepared to pay a package worth £95million for Rice, as per the Mirror.
Their report claims that the Bundesliga champions believe they can beat both Arsenal and Chelsea in the battle to sign the England international, although West Ham will reject the £95million offer considering they value the player more than the potential bid. It is also said that the proposition could prove 'tempting' for Rice.
Opening bid expected soon
Writing on Twitter, Romano said: "Arsenal have not changed their plans for Declan Rice as top target: opening bid to be submitted in June, waiting for West Ham to clarify final price tag.
"Nothing is agreed or done, race remains open. Other clubs are also interested; so timing will be crucial."
Champions League dream
While on World Cup duty with England, Rice admitted that he wants to play in the Champions League, further hinting at a transfer move: "One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League. For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that.
"I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”