Arsenal still have one hurdle to overcome to complete Declan Rice signing as potential sticking point revealed

Arsenal still have one hurdle to overcome to complete the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham.

Mikel Arteta, who relied on Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard as his midfielders for most of last season, has been keen to strengthen that area of the field. And Rice is reportedly his No.1 target.

Last week, the Gunners agreed a £105million transfer fee with West Ham to sign Rice, however, talks are continuing over the payment structure of the deal.

Rice is now free to discuss personal terms and have his medical with Arsenal, though there is reportedly still work to be done between the two clubs to finalise the deal.

The transfer fee breaks down as a £100million initial fee plus £5million in performance-related add-ons. The offer is far greater than Arsenal's transfer record - the £72million they paid Lille for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

Arsenal’s Declan Rice hurdle

Despite it seeming inevitable Rice will make the move to Arsenal, negotiations are still ongoing.

And according to the Mirror, everything in the deal has been sorted other than the timing of instalments.

Should the two parties reach an agreement, Rice would be Arsenal’s second summer signing, with the club having confirmed the £65million arrival of Kai Havertz last week.

Moreover, Arsenal are reportedly also closing in on the £40million summer signing of versatile Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

To subsidise such moves, however, outgoings are also expected. Granit Xhaka is wanted by his old club Bayer Leverkusen in Germany and as per The Mirror, a £20million deal could be wrapped up this week as well.

Meanwhile, Thomas Partey has been linked with several clubs in Serie A and the Saudi Pro League.