Arsenal hopeful of signing 24yo star before Sunday

Arsenal are hopeful of signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice before they travel for the US pre-season tour.

The Gunners have already agreed a club-record deal worth £105 million with the Hammers, but the transfer has yet to become official.

Rice was reportedly having his Gunners medical on Friday, but Arsenal's lawyers still need to approve the final wording of the deal.

Sky Sports claim that this could happen in the next couple of days such that Rice is part of the travelling squad to the United States.

Arsenal will play their first pre-season friendly against Nurnberg on Thursday before they travel to the US for three more games.

They are scheduled to face the MLS All-Stars, Manchester United and Barcelona, and Mikel Arteta will want a full strength side.

Aside from Rice, Jurrien Timber is also expected to finalise his transfer from Ajax. The Dutchman underwent his medical on Friday.

Arsenal have already spent more than £200 million in the transfer window, and we could see several departures in the coming weeks.