The 24-year-old midfielder has been the subject of numerous transfer speculations over the past three seasons, attracting interest from top clubs around Europe, including, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
The highly-rated England international, who has been a key player for West Ham and the England national team over the last couple of years, is now set to join Arsenal for a fee of £100m + £5m in add-ons.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal have reached total agreement with West Ham to sign Declan Rice. #WHUFC have now accepted #AFC payment structure on record £100m + £5m fee. 24yo England midfielder given permission to do medical & finalise personal terms @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/WxG2JEaxrt
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 4, 2023
Arsenal first submitted a bid of £80m and then another bid of £75m + £15m in add-ons which was rejected. Then Manchester City offered £80m + £10m in add-ons for his services, but the Hammers rejected the offer. Thereafter, reports confirmed that Manchester City opted against furthering their pursuit, while Arsenal remained in the race.
Rice will become the most-expensive British player of all-time, surpassing Jack Grealish’s £105m move to Manchester City and just behind Enzo Fernandez’s £106.5m move to Chelsea.