Declan Rice could play a key role in two marquee transfers for Arsenal before he has even been officially confirmed as the Gunners' latest signing. The 24-year-old has already completed his medical tests and media duties with the official confirmation of his £105million transfer from West Ham the only thing left to be announced.
After submitting their opening offer in mid-June, negotiations with the Hammers dragged on for numerous weeks with Arsenal seeing two bids rejected before reaching a verbal agreement with Rice's employers on a triple-figure proposal. However, that was far from the end of the saga as disagreements began over the structure of the fee with Arsenal understandably wanting to spread the cost while West Ham wanted the up front fee paid in full by the start of 2025.
Equal instalments paid over five years was Arsenal's best-case scenario, but to get the deal over the line they agreed to pay the £100million in the next 24 months. Despite the payment structure agreement being reached exactly seven days ago, the Gunners are yet to unveil their new record signing, however Arsenal fans have found out what Rice is currently doing.
