Rice’s lengthy transfer saga is finally coming to an end, with Arsenal being on the verge of signing the English midfielder.
West Ham United have reportedly accepted Arsenal’s bid worth up to £105 million for Declan Rice.
The improved offer from Arsenal includes an initial fee of £100 million with an additional £5 million in add-ons. The record-breaking bid convinced Manchester City to withdraw from the transfer race for Rice on Wednesday.
If the move materializes, it will set a new Premier League record fee for a British player. Arsenal had previously made a club-record proposal of up to £90 million, but it was turned down by West Ham earlier this month. Manchester City also had their offer of an initial £80 million plus £10 million in add-ons rejected.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, an improved offer from the Gunners persuaded the Hammers to sell Rice ahead of the next season.
Rice’s contract with West Ham expires in 2024, with an option for a one-year extension. West Ham chairman David Sullivan recently stated that he expected Rice to have played his last game for the club, expressing his belief that the player wants to leave.
Rice, known for his skills as an elite ball-winner, has made 245 appearances for West Ham since his debut in 2017. His playing style emphasizes positional discipline and strategic timing for defensive actions. Last season, he ranked among the top defensive and central midfielders in the Premier League for successful tackles and had the highest tackle win rate at 70 percent.
The negotiations between West Ham and Arsenal are still ongoing, focusing on the deal structure and the final payment details.