West Ham United have received a promise that the paperwork for the transfer of Declan Rice will be completed and delivered on Friday. The £105m deal, agreed upon eight days ago, has been delayed, causing frustration for West Ham.

The delay is attributed to Arsenal's lawyers, who are responsible for drawing up the necessary paperwork. West Ham understands that Rice has already passed his medical examination with Arsenal and has been training regularly while on holiday in Portugal.

Arsenal is optimistic about finalizing Rice's signing before the team departs for their pre-season tour in the United States on Sunday. The deal involves an initial payment of £100m and £5m in add-ons, surpassing Arsenal's previous record purchase of Nicolas Pepe from Lille for £72m in 2019.

Although Rice's signing falls just short of the British transfer record set by Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez in January, it still represents a significant acquisition for Arsenal. Additionally, the Gunners are expected to confirm the signing of Jurrien Timber, who has completed his medical ahead of his £38m transfer from Ajax. The paperwork for his long-term contract is also being finalized.

Timber, primarily a right-back but also capable of playing at centre-back, will bolster Arsenal's defensive options. The transfer fee consists of an upfront payment of £34m, with additional payments tied to performance-related add-ons.

Manchester United had previously expressed interest in Timber before Arsenal secured the deal.