Major breakthrough in Declan Rice transfer saga as Arsenal and West Ham 'reach compromise'

Arsenal have reportedly 'reached a compromise' with West Ham over a transfer for Declan Rice amid concerns over the financial structure of the deal.

Rice, 24, has long been rumoured with a move to the Emirates after Mikel Arteta made him the club's priority transfer target this summer.

And the England international now looks set to become the Gunners' second signing of the transfer window after they agreed a £105 million fee with West Ham, which includes £5m in performance-related add-ons.

The England international would follow in the footsteps of Kai Havertz, who completed his £65m move from Chelsea last Wednesday.

News that the two London clubs have now 'reached a compromise' comes amid reports that West Ham were willing to 'walk away' from negotiations with the Emirates club due to the payment structure of a deal.

However, Tuesday's report from The Guardian has put Arsenal supporters at ease, with the publication outlining the latest details of the transfer.

Details of Declan rice deal 'revealed'

Arsenal are said to be close to "finalising terms" over their £105m deal for Rice, with "the guaranteed portion of the fee expected to be paid in three instalments over 24 months", according to The Guardian.

The report adds that the transfer is now "on the verge of completion" following a tedious negotiation process, with the Hammers keen to get the best deal possible for their prized asset.

Arsenal were thought to have "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.

David Moyes' side were originally eager for the £100m to be paid by the end of 2024 but it is understood that a "compromise has been reached" and the date for the final payment has been brought forward to the summer of 2025.

Talks over the nature of the add-ons are still said to be ongoing but Rice is expected to undergo a medical at London Colney this week.

Topics: Declan Rice, Arsenal, West Ham United, Transfers, Football, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno