Romano reports on status of Declan Rice deal as of ‘Friday night’ after fee delay

The Gunners appear to be still taking their time in securing a deal to bring West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to the Emirates stadium this summer.

Mikel Arteta has been linked with a move for the 24-year-old all year as the Arsenal boss looks to bolster his central midfield options with a return to the Champions League now looming.

Rumours earlier this week suggested that West Ham and Arsenal had finally agreed a fee of £105 million for the transfer of Rice to north London.

However, there has been an apparent delay over the finalization of the deal with both clubs yet to secure a full financial agreement.

Nonetheless, journalist Fabrizio Romano is reportimg that West Ham and Arsenal are closing in on an agreement on the payment structure for that £105 million fee.

Romano claims that as of Friday night, the two clubs are finally nearing a deal over how the money for Rice will be paid, and the signing is very likely, regardless of how long those fee discussions may be taking.

“On Friday night, while I’m speaking, the agreement on payment terms is really close.” Romano reported

“It is not ‘here we go’ yet as they have to discuss something, let’s see how the discussions will continue in the next hours or days but Declan Rice is expected to become an Arsenal player very, very soon.”