Arsenal have finally completed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United for a fee of £105 million.
The 24-year-old has signed a long term deal with the Gunners and will reportedly earn in excess of £240,000 per week at the North London side.
Arsenal confirm the signing of Declan Rice via a statement on their website
Excerpt from a statement put out by Arsenal confirming his arrival reads:
“England international Declan Rice has joined us from West Ham United on a long-term contract”.
The announcement of his arrival puts an end to several weeks of speculation regarding the deal for the Englishman.
He becomes the third signing of the Gunners this summer, having already signed Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
Rice departs West Ham United following six years of meritorious service, captaining the club to the Europa Conference League trophy last campaign.
West Ham United also put out a statement confirming the exit of Declan Rice, the statement reads:
“West Ham United can confirm that agreement has been reached for Declan Rice to leave the Club for a British record transfer fee.”
The England International joins Arsenal after both teams agreed on a payment structure for the deal.
Arsenal wanted to spread the payment for Declan Rice over a five year period, however West Ham United disagreed on that ground.
Arsenal will now be paying the entire £100 million by 2025 with an additional £5 million in bonuses to be paid.
Declan Rice is a club-record signing of Arsenal and most expensive English play ever
Rice’s £105 million move from the London Stadium to the Emirates sees him become the most expensive English player ever.
However, this amount could be smashed by Jude Bellingham’s transfer to Real Madrid which could hit £115 million if various clauses are met.
The 24-year-old will be joining up with the squad of Arsenal for their preseason tour to the United States Of America.
Following the confirmation of his arrival to Arsenal, Mikel Arteta termed Declan Rice as a player with “tremendous ability”.
Arteta said: “We’re really happy that Declan is joining us.
“He is a player with tremendous ability, who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for a number of seasons now.”
Declan Rice will wear the jersey number 41 at Arsenal and this move is a club-record deal for the side.
His signing usurps the previous £72 million fee Arsenal parted with to secure the services of Nicolas Pepe from Lille in 2019.
After the departure of Granit Xhaka and the uncertainty regarding the future of Thomas Partey, the Gunners were left with no choice but to fill the loophole in midfield.
Declan Rice scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists in 245 appearances for West Ham United, having made his debut in 2017.
Arsenal finally have their man and this signing is expected to bolster their squad as they intend to launch an assault on the Premier League title next term.
