Arsenal affirm signing of Declan Rice

Declan Rice has accomplished his switch from West Ham to Arsenal in a British document £105million deal.

The England midfielder’s departure from the membership he joined a decade in the past was confirmed by the Hammers on Saturday afternoon, with Arsenal saying the change had been accomplished.

Rice’s transfer to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term contract sees him turn into the costliest English participant in historical past and follows on from the previous Irons captain having guided his previous membership to victory within the Europa Convention League ultimate towards Fiorentina.

A brand new chapter begins. pic.twitter.com/ha5Btd8I2h

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 15, 2023

Earlier on Saturday, Rice had penned an open letter to West Ham followers, revealing the need of taking part in within the Champions League – which Arsenal will subsequent season – was one of many causes behind his “powerful” determination to depart.

West Ham’s joint-chairman David Sullivan confirmed final month the east London membership had a gentleman’s settlement with Rice to permit him to depart this summer time after the participant turned down the provide of a highly-lucrative new contract.

Rice made 245 appearances for the Irons, together with his final serving to safe a primary trophy since 1980.

“This membership and its supporters will all the time be in my coronary heart and endlessly part of who I’m,” Rice stated. “Finally, although, it has solely ever been about my ambition to play on the very highest stage of the sport.

“Taking part in on the alternative staff to West Ham for the primary time can be an uncommon expertise.

“I’m undecided but precisely how I’ll really feel, however I additionally know you’ll all perceive and respect that my skilled loyalties must now lie with my new membership.”

Rice is the newest addition to an Arsenal squad which has already been strengthened over the summer time, with the arrival of Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber having been confirmed on Friday.

German worldwide Kai Havertz has moved from Chelsea, whereas the Gunners have additionally seen France defender William Saliba and Reiss Nelson commit their futures to the membership on new long-term contracts.

With Granit Xhaka having left to hitch Bayer Leverkusen, the arrival of Rice will additional bolster Mikel Areta’s midfield choices as Arsenal look to shut the hole on Manchester Metropolis after ending runners-up within the Premier League final season.