Arsenal are facing a delay in the deal to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as the two sides are yet to agree a payment plan for the 24-year-old. That's according to the Sun, which reports that the Hammers are waiting on a compromise for the England international.
The "ball is in Arsenal’s court" is one of the claims made as the instalments that the deal is paid over remains the contentious point. While this may be due to West Ham's desire to find a replacement, rising inflation rates also means that having the money available sooner will be more valuable than in a longer payment plan.
It is not an issue that should derail the move though, as per the report, with most of the other parts of the deal already agreed upon. The Gunners reached an agreement in principle with the Irons earlier this week, agreeing on a club-record bid that is reported in the region of £105million.
With Rice already agreeing personal terms and other teams dropping out of the race, it appears to be a deal that is edging towards completion. It may just take slightly longer to iron out those final details to make sure a move with such a high cost is on the terms that work.
Rice could be the second or third deal of the summer window, with Kai Havertz already confirmed as a new arrival following his £65million switch from Chelsea. Jurrien Timber is another that has been linked, with recent reports claiming that an agreement has been reached for the Ajax defender.
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The trio of deals could cost in excess of £200million, which would be a huge outlay from the Gunners and the hierarchy, though it also shows ambition. With a challenge for the Premier League title alongside the domestic trophies and the Champions League, plenty is up for grabs.
With pre-season just around the corner too, preparations are stepping up for the new campaign, with some fresh faces ready to step into the building.
