West Ham United have confirmed the departure of their captain, Declan Rice after obtaining the right paperwork from Arsenal, Sky Sports news reports.

The agreement was agreed eight days ago but the Hammers were growing increasingly agitated by the delay to wrap up the agreement.

West Ham have now agreed to sell Rice to Arsenal, who are expected to make a club-record signing before departing for a pre-season tour in the United States on Sunday.

The delay, according to reports, was caused by delays in the documentation being prepared by Arsenal’s lawyers.

The fee for Rice is divided into an initial payment of £100 million plus £5 million in add-ons, and it will surpass Arsenal’s previous record buy, Nicolas Pepe from Lille for £72 million in 2019.

Speaking on new signings by the Gunners, football finance expert Kieran Maguire says Arsenal’s seemingly enhanced willingness to spend is a “reward” for Mikel Arteta.

“Arsenal are actually in a very strong position when it comes to spending,” he told Sky Sports News.

“The reason for that is they have managed to get their wages under control.

“Arsenal’s wages are lower than they were in 2018. They are £150m to £170m less than Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City. That has given them the flexibility to go into the market and buy new players without having to worry too much.

“Plus they have got the additional benefits of Champions League matches coming in, premium prices and the minimum I would say prize money of £50m from being participants.

“So you factor that all together and they’ve probably still got a bit of leeway in terms of what they can spend over this present window.”