PHOTO GALLERY: Arsenal officially announced the ‘super blockbᴜster’ Declan Rice with a strange shirt number
DECLAN RICE has completed his £105million move to Arsenal.
The England star leaves West Ham after six years with the club having captained them to the Europa Conference League trophy last season.
Declan Rice is now officially an Arsenal player
He has signed a long term deal
West Ham confirmed his exit in a tweet reading: “We can confirm Declan Rice has left the Club.”
Arsenal then announced his arrival, saying: “England international Declan Rice has joined us from West Ham United on a long-term contract.”
Declan Rice, 24, has finally signed after the two London sides came to an agreement on a payment plan. Arsenal will pay £100 million by 2025, with an additional $5 million in bonuses.
He moves from East to North London for £105 million, making him the most expensive English footballer ever. However, Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid, which might cost $115 million if certain conditions are met, could surpass him.
Rice joins up with Arsenal’s squad for their flight on Sunday for the pre-season tour of America.
Manager Mikel 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 is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.
“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy.
“The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”
It has been revealed that Rice will wear the No41 jersey at 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.”
Rice himself penned an emotional letter to West Ham fans, saying it was a “tough” decision to join the Gunners.
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