Arsenal could finally end the Declan Rice transfer saga with their third formal offer if Mikel Arteta and Edu meet one crucial condition. The Gunners have seen two proposals rejected by West Ham with their latest bid totalling £90million, £75million of which would be paid up front and a further £10million available in add-ons.
Manchester City swiftly responded to the Hammers turning down that offer by sending their own official bid which also stood at £90million. However, there were some key differences to the one submitted from north London.
Firstly, the proposal was for £80million paid to be as a full fee with the remaining £10million as add-ons. As football.london understands, the exact payment structure put forward by Man City was also more favourable to West Ham and the add-ons were also deemed achievable, yet still the Hammers did not accept.
That is likely because it rests on two crucial demands they have in order to sanction a Rice sale this summer. £100million has always been their clear valuation and thus far no interested party has hit that mark, but an offer that doesn't pass triple figures could also be accepted as long as a significant sum is offered up front.
According to the Mail, Arsenal have verbally informed West Ham of their intention to officially submit a third offer. The report also adds that it will come closer to the £100million asking price, but it is not clear whether or not it will actually meet it.
If that is the case, Arteta and Edu must ensure the intricacies of the payment structure fits with what West Ham want. Ensuring the east Londoners are guaranteed more funds up front and favourable add-ons are also included is Arteta's non-negotiable for what he will hope is the final Rice bid.
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Personal terms will not be an issue and despite Man City entering the race and Arsenal's steady progress in negotiations, playing football Emirates Stadium next season is still his priority and he is now waiting for that next bid to arrive from north London, as per a report by the Guardian.
Man City confirmed the arrival of Mateo Kovacic on Tuesday, while the Gunners are likely in the process of finalising a £65million move for Kai Havertz. A move for Jurrien Timber also looks as its final stages after a second improved proposal was sent to Ajax worth in the region of £40million with contract terms already being sorted.
However, Pep Guardiola's side appear a little further behind in talks for their second transfer. The treble winners also want to recruit in defence and are in talks to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. Personal terms have already been agreed, but talks over a final fee with the German club are set to take place over the coming week.
Leipzig are tough negotiators though and that could impact Man City in their pursuit of Rice which further showcases why Arsenal must meet numerous demands in their next bid.
