With the title race in the Premier League heating up, Arsenal fans are starting to regret the add-on structure of the deal that brought Declan Rice to their club. As Manchester City edge closer to clinching the title, speculation has arisen about whether West Ham, the final opponent for City, will have additional motivation to beat their former coach and now Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. With just a few games left in the season, the Gunners will need to win all three of theirs to have a chance at the title, while mid-table West Ham may have nothing to lose. All eyes will be on the final match of City's campaign to see how the Rice deal plays out.
Arsenal Fans Lament Declan Rice Deal as Title Race Intensifies
As the Premier League season draws to a close, Arsenal fans are facing a bitter realization: the complex add-on structure included in the deal that brought Declan Rice to the club may have cost them a shot at the title.
Background
In the summer of 2022, Arsenal signed Declan Rice from West Ham United for a fee of £50 million, plus an undisclosed amount in potential add-ons. These add-ons were reportedly tied to Arsenal's performance in European competitions, as well as individual awards received by Rice.
Title Race Consequences
With Manchester City leading the Premier League table by one point going into the final matchday, Arsenal's title hopes rest on winning their remaining three matches and City dropping points. However, the add-on clause in the Rice deal has raised concerns that West Ham, Arsenal's final opponent, may have extra motivation to beat their former manager, Mikel Arteta.
West Ham, currently in mid-table, have little to gain or lose in the final match of the season. However, a win over Arsenal would potentially trigger significant add-ons in the Rice deal, boosting West Ham's financial position.
Fan Frustration
Arsenal fans are expressing their frustration over the potential implications of the Rice deal. Many argue that the club's decision to include such complex add-ons was short-sighted and could ultimately cost them the title.
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