"Close now..." - Respected journalist claims Arsenal could agree Declan Rice deal 'today'

Declan Rice could complete his move from West Ham to Arsenal today, a respected journalist has claimed.

According to the Guardian's Jacob Steinberg West Ham and Arsenal are "close" to an agreement and a deal could be agreed today (Wednesday).

Indeed, Arsenal made a £105million offer for Rice on Tuesday evening, which has since seen Manchester City pull out of the race to sign the 41-cap England international.

Arsenal lodged a third offer of £100million plus £5million in add-ons and since, talks over the structure of the deal are reportedly nearing completion.

City had a £90million bid rejected earlier in the day and do not want to match Arsenal's latest offer.

West Ham have allegedly been holding out for at least £100million for their captain, and have used City's interest to drive up to the price for the midfielder.

The fee will exceed the £100million City paid to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021, and make Rice the most expensive British player in history.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich had also looked at signing Rice, but Arsenal have been favourites since Christmas.

Why Manchester City have pulled out of the deal

According to Sports Mail, City are "relaxed" about the Rice situation, and believe that Arsenal are over-spending for the 24-year-old.

The publication's Mike Keegan tweeted: “Manchester City are relaxed about the Declan Rice situation following their withdrawal.

“Club feel they’ve been in this position before - where they’ve refused to go higher than they think a player is worth - and believe their judgement has proved to be sound.”

Since City have turned their attention to Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer guru tweeted: "Manchester City have entered the race for Spanish talent Gabri Veiga after pulling out of Declan Rice deal. He’s one of the options now being considered at the club.

"Liverpool and Chelsea remain interested but City also informed now. Release clause: €40m."

Topics: Football, Transfers, Declan Rice, Arsenal, West Ham United, Manchester City

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.