Arsenal make transfer ‘promise’ to ‘frustrated’ Prem rivals with £105m deal set ‘to be finalised’

According to reports, Arsenal have made a ‘promise’ to West Ham that the paperwork for Declan Rice’s move to the Emirates will ‘be finalised on Friday’.

It was made clear in the months leading up to the summer transfer window that Rice will be Arsenal’s main target ahead of next season.

This is after they failed to sign Ecuador international Moises Caicedo from Brighton during the January transfer window.

The Gunners have faced competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the race for Rice, but the London outfit reached an agreement with West Ham over a huge transfer that could be worth £105m with add-ons at the end of last month.

Despite this, the transfer is yet to be formally announced and it was reported earlier this week that West Ham are becoming “increasingly frustrated”.

The report from Sky Sports added: “West Ham are becoming increasingly frustrated about the delay with the deal to sell Declan Rice to Arsenal.

“The £105million deal has been agreed – that was eight days ago – but so far this deal has not been signed and West Ham are still waiting to sign the contract.”

Sky Sports have now provided a further update, with Arsenal ‘promising that the paperwork for the transfer of Rice will be signed and delivered on Friday’. The report adds.

‘The hold-up is being caused by delays with paperwork being drawn up by Arsenal’s lawyers.

‘As far as West Ham are aware, Rice has passed his Arsenal medical. He has been training regularly on holiday in Portugal.

‘Arsenal are hopeful of completing the signing of Rice before the squad flies to the USA for their pre-season tour on Sunday.’

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Speaking earlier this week, Hammers head coach David Moyes claimed that they “can’t plan anything” until the Rice transfer is completed.

“I’ve just been listening to Sky and taking the news from Sky – you seem to know more about it than me and getting the news quicker than I’m getting!” said Moyes.

“Until it’s done, we can’t plan anything really. We will wait to see what happens. Everyone knows the situation, we are waiting for something to happen.

“I don’t think we can replace Declan exactly like for like. But we will add to the squad as time goes on. We won’t give you any names or what we’re going to do.”

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