Arsenal have had their third bid for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice worth up to $132m accepted.

The Gunners’ Premier League rivals Manchester City pulled out of the race to sign the England international yesterday, leaving the door open for Mikel Arteta’s men to complete a move in their own time.

Declan Rice set to swap East London for North London

The 24-year-old is believed to have preferred to stay in London and with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka set to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, Rice will become an automatic first-choice midfielder next season.

Rice has been given permission by West Ham to undergo his medical and will become the Gunners’ second big-money transfer this summer following the acquisition of Kai Havertz.

The two clubs remain in talks to discuss how the deal will be structured as the Hammers want approximately $126m of the $132m to be paid within 18 months, according to Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano.

🚨 West Ham have just communicated to Arsenal that they’re accepting £100m plus £5m add-ons fee for Declan Rice.

The two clubs remain in talks over deal structure & payment terms — as West Ham want £100m to be paid within 18 months.

Final discussions and then… done deal. pic.twitter.com/khKe5EgeFc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2023

The transfer fee is set to be a record for a British player- beating the previous record set by Manchester City’s move for Jack Grealish two summers ago.