Arsenal 'reach agreement with West Ham over Declan Rice transfer'

Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with West Ham to sign midfielder Declan Rice, it has been reported.

The Gunners launched a bid worth £105 million for the 24-year-old, who lifted the Europa Conference League earlier this month, on Tuesday.

Then, on Wednesday, it was revealed that Manchester City, who were rivalling the Gunners for Rice's signature, had pulled out of the battle to sign the Hammers captain.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal now appear to be nearing the finish line in the battle.

They are said to have agreed a deal in principle with the Hammers for an initial transfer fee of £100 million, plus £5 million in add-ons.

Rice deal 'agreed', transfer details revealed

The report claims Arsenal proposed that the guaranteed £100 million portion of the fee would be paid across four years.

West Ham, however, want the fee paid over two years instead, with the clubs said to be in advanced talks over ironing out this part of the deal.

But this issue has been described as 'minor', with the deal not at risk of falling through as a result on that particular point.

Arsenal fans will be delighted at news that an agreement has been reached between the Gunners and West Ham, with tension growing in recent weeks as City entered the race.

The Mail claimed that Pep Guardiola's side were not prepared to match Arsenal's £105 million bid for Rice, having seen a previous bid worth £90 million rejected by the reigning Europa Conference League trophy holders.

The Gunners' interest in Rice dates back to January, with reports in May claiming that manager Mikel Arteta was keen to get a deal done quickly after the end of the campaign.

Should a deal for the 24-year-old be finalised, he is set to be joined at the Emirates Stadium by Chelsea star Kai Havertz.

The Germany international is on the verge of sealing a £65 million move to Arsenal, although the move is yet to be officially announced by the club.

According to Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Gunners are also in advanced talks to sign Netherlands international centre-back Jurrien Timber from Ajax.