Yes they are showing concern. But perhaps they don't realise that this is very common practice. That in most cases they wouldn't have heard about the negotiations and that this is just the way things sometimes/often happen? It would clearly be better if he had signed yesterday. He may never sign for us - but going into a tail spin because the process is taking a while or may not succeed seems to be an over reaction.
Personally, I'm neither optimistic nor pessimistic. Just realistic about the commercial nature of this transaction.
