BBC pundit Danny Murphy has revealed what Declan Rice has told him about his imminent move to Arsenal in a private chat with the West Ham captain.
Rice, 24, is widely expected to join Arsenal from West Ham this summer with only the final details of the transfer still to be agreed.
A huge fee of an initial £100m with £5m in add-ons has been agreed between the two clubs, although they are still negotiating over the structure of the deal.
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The Guardian report that Arsenal are close to 'finalising terms' over a deal for Rice, with 'the guaranteed portion of the fee expected to be paid in three instalments over 24 months'.
The report adds that the transfer is now 'on the verge of completion'.
Arsenal 'wanted to spread the cost of the guaranteed payment over five years but have been forced to bring the number of instalments down' in order to satisfy West Ham.
Rice is expected to undergo a medical with Arsenal on Friday, with the deal potentially completed this weekend.
Murphy reveals Rice chat
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Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy says he recently bumped into Rice and spoke to him about his imminent move to the Emirates.
Speaking on FIVE, Murphy said: "I've got to say, it's worth saying I saw Dec on Sunday at the cafe by mine.
"He was outside, I popped out to see him, I was just ordering a full English, actually.
"We were chatting, and he was buzzing. He couldn't wait to get to Arsenal. He said Arteta was magic when he met him."
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Arsenal have already signed Kai Havertz in a £65m deal from Chelsea and are in talks to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
The Gunners face German side Nurnberg in their opening pre-season friendly next Thursday, with their opening game of the new Premier League campaign coming against Nottingham Forest on August 12.
Featured Image Credit: Getty & FIVETopics: Declan Rice, Arsenal, West Ham United, Premier League, Transfers