Arsenal confirm Declan Rice transfer as West Ham receive club-record fee

Arsenal have announced the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham for a club-record fee of £105million. The England international made it clear throughout negotiations that he was keen to head to the Emirates Stadium this summer, despite interest from Manchester City.

After seeing several rejected bids, the Gunners reached an agreement with the Hammers for an £100m initial fee for Rice, with a further £5m available in add-ons. The 24-year-old, who will wear the No 41 shirt, now becomes Arsenal’s record signing as a result, and he is now also the most expensive British player in history – surpassing Jack Grealish’s record.

Arsenal announced his arrival on their YouTube page, with Rice being introduced to the entire first-team squad. Mikel Arteta made Rice his top target heading into the summer transfer window and believes that the midfielder has what it takes to improve his side markedly and become club captain further down the line.

Rice made a total of 245 appearances for West Ham after breaking into the first team in 2017, with the pinnacle of his spell at the club coming last season when he guided his side to victory in the European Conference League.

Arteta made it clear heading into the transfer window that he wanted to rebuild his midfield in order to bridge the gap between his side and Pep Guardiola’s City, so the arrival of Rice is a significant sign of intent from the higher powers at the Emirates Stadium.

As a result, Granit Xhaka was allowed to leave the club last week to join Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £21m. Arsenal are also willing to let Thomas Partey leave if a sufficient offer arrives, amid interest from the Saudi Pro League and Serie A.

On signing Rice, Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “Declan is a player with fantastic ability and a proven record at both club and international levels. The process of this transfer has been a big team effort with a clear plan, and we are so happy that Declan is joining us.

“Declan is a high-quality, young international player who will add great strength to our squad, fitting so well into our strategy of competing with young talented players at the centre of our club. It’s great that Declan will be joining up with Mikel, our coaches and his new teammates in good time ahead of the new season.”