Declan Rice is set to undergo his Arsenal medical ahead of his record-breaking move after cutting short his holiday.
The West Ham and England midfielder is due to become the most expensive British footballer in history as he edges towards a £105m transfer to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have already agreed a deal with the Hammers after seeing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City pull out of the race.
Final details are being sorted out, including the structure of payments, before Rice will go through the formalities of the move. He will undergo a medical with the Gunners before finally putting pen to paper on what will be a long-term deal.
Rice has ensured that he can rubber-stamp the move swiftly after flying back from his holiday. He returned from Dubai on Saturday having been in the Middle East country, winding down after England duty.
The midfielder was then pictured playing football with the kids of Hammers hero Mark Noble in his back garden on Sunday. The two children, called Lenny and Honey, went in goal as the Three Lions star went in goal.
Rice could be heard saying "First one then, top corner, promise ya,” and then as the ball flew into the net added: "Told ya."
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Once he undergoes a medical and completes all of his club media commitments, Rice will likely become the Gunners’ second signing of the summer after the £65m arrival of Kai Havertz from Chelsea. He is set to be followed by Dutch defender Jurrien Timber who will join from Ajax.
Rice’s move also brings to an end a long pursuit by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. According to The Sunday Times, the pair held a secret meeting back in January.
The midfielder was said to be surprised by the Spaniard’s plans to improve his game during his time at the Emirates Stadium. Once the formalities are concluded, then Rice could look forward to joining up with his new teammates.
Arsenal return for pre-season testing on Monday, with those involved in internationals throughout the summer not expected back until Saturday, July 8. The Gunners’ first pre-season assignment sees them take on German side Nurnberg on July 13, before a clash with the MLS All-Stars a week later.
Rice’s first competitive appearance for the Gunners could come against his former suitors Manchester City in next month’s Community Shield. His arrival could trigger a slight exodus from the Emirates Stadium.
Former captain Granit Xhaka has been strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen interested in taking him back to Germany. Thomas Partey is also a candidate to bid farewell.
