Arsenal has officially announced the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham for a reported fee of £105 million.
The talented England international has committed to a long-term contract with the North London club following his departure from West Ham, which was confirmed earlier on Saturday.
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.”
The addition of Declan Rice to Arsenal’s squad is another significant reinforcement under the leadership of manager Mikel Arteta. Rice’s arrival follows Jurrien Timber’s transfer from Ajax, which was completed on Friday, and Kai Havertz’s switch from Chelsea last month. These signings contribute to the overall strengthening of the team.
At 24 years old, Rice is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to compete in the UEFA Champions League, marking a notable milestone in his career. Arsenal’s impressive second-place finish last season secured their qualification for the prestigious tournament, providing Rice with the chance to showcase his skills on the grand stage of European club football.
Rice said: “Mikel Arteta is a massive factor in the reason why I’ve come here.
“I’m so excited — he speaks for himself. You see how he works — you also got a real insight into how he works on the Amazon documentary. He’s a top coach.”
Rice will wear the No41 shirt at his new club — the same number he donned at West Ham.
Rice departs the Hammers on a high having captained his boyhood club to victory in the Europa Conference League last month.
Announcing Rice’s exit, co-chairman David Sullivan said: “I am sorry to see Declan leave us, but I believe that everyone at West Ham United should be very proud of the part we have played in his journey.
“I would like to make it clear to our supporters that we did not want to sell Declan.
“We wanted to build our team around him and made a series of improved, long-term contract offers to secure his future.
“However, once Declan made it clear that he wished to move on and seek a new challenge, the club felt it would not be right to stand in his way, acting in the best interests of West Ham United.”
David Moyes’ Irons will now seek to reinvest the huge sum in finding a replacement for Rice, with Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse linked with a switch to the London Stadium.