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Jim White drops Arsenal £100m Declan Rice update, West Ham United exit within days
Jim White has revealed West Ham United are closing in on a £100million “guaranteed” agreement with Arsenal for Declan Rice.
Sky Sports reported on 30 June that the clubs are in talks over a £105million move for the 24-year-old midfielder.
White has since claimed that a deal could be concluded early next week with the Gunners and the West Ham board still discussing extras.
“Being told tonight that West Ham inching ‘closer and closer’ to agreeing a deal with Arsenal on Declan Rice. £100m guaranteed, still discussing extras. Could be concluded early next week,” wrote White (Twitter, 30 June).
Get it done
The sooner this deal gets done the better.
Rice has been linked with the exit door for the past three transfer windows, but now feels like the right time for the 24-year-old to make the step up.
Arsenal have been relentless in their pursuit; Mikel Arteta’s influence cannot be understated. The Spaniard has been desperate to land Rice and it appears the Hammers’ talisman is eager to make the move to North London.
He needs to be playing in the Champions League and with the Gunners looking to kick on after their second-placed finish last season – Rice could be the missing piece in the jigsaw.
David Moyes will be desperate for the deal to be concluded soon. There are a number of areas that need strengthening during the summer with a striker and at least two midfielders required.
It promises to be an intriguing summer with former Bayer Leverkusen chief Tim Steidten set to take up the sporting director role at the London Stadium.