Arsenal one step from completing sensational Prem midfielder coup as personal terms ‘agreed’
Arsenal have reportedly ‘agreed personal terms’ with Declan Rice, as all that’s left to do now is agree a fee with West Ham for him.
Rice’s transfer to a massive club has been delayed for a couple of years. Indeed, he could have quite easily made the step up to a ‘big-six’ side some time ago.
It’s clear that he’s been West Ham’s best player for much of the past few seasons. However, when they were in a good position themselves, he didn’t really need to leave.
Indeed, the Hammers finished sixth and seventh in the last two Premier League seasons. They also reached the semi-final of the Europa League last term.
The decent showings, coupled with the length of his contract means West Ham could demand a massive fee. Indeed, David Moyes stated in 2022 Rice would not leave for under £150million.
The Hammers were able to keep him under wraps at the London Stadium due to that. But with the side slipping – they finished 14th this season – and Rice’s contract now having just a year left, a transfer is very likely.
All of the Prem’s big six have been linked at one time or another.
Currently, Manchester United and Arsenal are the main names in the hunt, with the latter pushing hardest for the snare and Rice preferring a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal ‘agree personal terms’ with Rice
It seems that move is one that’s only a step away now. Football Transfers reports the Emirates outfit have ‘agreed personal terms’ with the star midfielder.
It’s not reported how long he’ll move for, or what the terms of the agreement are.
However, it’s a positive move nonetheless, with the Gunners now just requiring to agree a fee with West Ham. The report states that that hasn’t happened yet could be slightly concerning for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Indeed, Football Transfers cites ‘potential problems’ in the form of interest from United and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
However, that danger is tempered by the fact ‘none of these clubs are thought to be in a position where they could significantly trump the Gunners’.
While Rice is ready to make the move to the Emirates, he does apparently want to see West Ham, ‘adequately compensated for his departure’.
Currently, it’s unclear what sort of fee he the club will receive. It’s well known the Hammers still want £120million for him this summer.
But, it seems unlikely a player with just a year left on his contract, no matter how good, would command that high a fee. Transfer insider Ben Jacobs recently stated it was ‘unrealistic’ for the Hammers to expect to receive that sort of money for Rice.
With that being said, Arsenal might be able to agree a fee lower than they first expected and get everything wrapped up soon.
