The main issues with the two opening offers was how Arsenal were proposing they pay the up front fee. Although £100million in guaranteed funds is set to be given to West Ham for Rice, Arsenal were hoping to spread out the full cost across a number of years, but the east Londoners want it paid in full by the start of 2025.

How close the transfer is to being completed is mostly unknown, but West Ham may have just hinted his exit is imminent with a website update. When accessing the shop, the No.41 shirt with Rice on the back is no longer available to purchase ,alongside this Manuel Lanzini’s No.10 shirt is also missing now his contract with the club has expired.

A £65million deal for the Germany international from Chelsea was confirmed last week and both he and Rice could also soon be joined by Jurrien Timber with talks set to accelerate this weekend over a move with £36million discussed as the up front fee with add-ons to be decided, as per the Evening Standard.

Timber becoming Mikel Arteta’s third signing could then see focus switch to outgoings with the Gunners then expected to have spent over £200million. Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney are the two marquee names that could be sold this summer with both in search of consistent minutes.