SPORT BIBLE
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has responded to claims that West Ham could ‘walk away’ from a deal with Arsenal for Declan Rice.
Rice, 24, looks set to become Mikel Arteta’s second signing of the summer transfer window after the Gunners agreed a £105 million fee with West Ham.
The fee consists of a £100m initial fee plus £5m in performance-related add-ons, with the offer smashing Arsenal’s £72m transfer record which they paid for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
The England international would follow in the footsteps of Kai Havertz, who completed his £65m move from Chelsea last Wednesday.
Rice has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the north London side, with the midfielder expected to become the club’s third-highest earner.
However, discussions with West Ham over the payment structure of the deal remains a stumbling block, with the timing of instalments complicating negotiations.
And Romano has offered his twopence on the situation, rubbishing reports that West Ham could walk away from a deal.
What did Romano say?
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed Rice’s move to Arsenal was “really close”, urging fans to “be patient”.
“The rumours that circulated today on social media about Arsenal or West Ham walking away from the deal, at the moment, I’m told this is not correct while I’m speaking,” said the Italian.
“The medical has not been booked yet, but it will happen in the next days if everything goes to plan. So, no worries, Arsenal fans…
