It appears there is a plot twist in the transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal as West Ham United are infuriated with the delay.
The Hammers are scared of missing out on priority acquisition this summer as a result of the delay from the Gunners.
West Ham United reportedly accepted a £105 million offer from Arsenal on the 28th of June, 2023, £100 million in guaranteed payment with £5 million in add-ons.
Arsenal lawyers haven’t signed the paperwork that will confirm Declan Rice transfer to Arsenal
Arsenal’s legal representatives are yet to sign the relevant documents despite personal terms being agreed and Declan Rice has passed his medical.
David Moyes’ side haven’t made any signing this summer as they are waiting for Rice’s departure to be approved.
The East Londoners would want to use the cash made from the Englishman’s sale to fund deals for potential arrivals this summer.
West Ham United might lose out in the race to sign Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes, who might instead pen a deal with Newcastle United.
They may also not be able to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha due to his transfer valuation.
Reports indicate that Declan Rice is presently training alone in Portugal, as he awaits the finalization of the deal.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta is hoping that the deal can be completed before his side travel to the USA on Sunday for a preseason tour.
West Ham United rejected two previous bids for Rice from Arsenal, holding on for a fee close to the £106 million Chelsea paid Benfica for Argentine Enzo Fernandez.
David Moyes’ side also had to wait a while before Arsenal sent in a £105 million bid for the England International on the 27th of July, 2023.
After the £105 bid was sent in, the hammers afterwards accepted it and payment structure were finally agreed on the 4th of July, 2023.
The Gunners initially planned to spread the payment for Declan Rice over a five-year timeframe, however, West Ham United disagreed on that ground.
The Hammers insisted that they receive the complete £100 million payment by 2025 and both parties agreed on the term.
Rice became Arsenal’s priority target due to the exit of Granit Xhaka
Mikel Arteta made the signing of Declan Rice a priority this summer following the departure of Granit Xhaka to Bayern Leverkusen.
There is also uncertainty regarding the future of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Teye Partey.
When the deal for Rice is finally signed, sealed and delivered, Arsenal would have spent over £200 million this summer.
The Gunners have already signed Kai Havertz this summer from Chelsea, for a reported fee of £65 million.
Jurrien Timber might be the next acquisition this summer, as reports indicate that Arsenal are set to sign the defender from Ajax for a fee of £34.5 million.
Mikel Arteta’s side will kick off their preseason games on the 13th of July, 2023 playing against FC Nuremberg in Germany.
They also play against MLS All-Stars, who will be tutored by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney on the 20th of July, 2023.
Manchester United, Barcelona and AS Monaco are their remaining games in the preseason.
