Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham in a British record £105 million deal.
The England international becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the week following the capture of Jurrien Timber from Arsenal on Friday.
Rice joins the defender, and Kai Havertz, who arrived from Chelsea earlier this summer at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta’s side look to regroup and compete for the title again after narrowly missing out last season.
West Ham and Arsenal had agreed on a deal over Rice last week. However, the official announcement was delayed because both clubs were still finalising the payment structure, with Arsenal expected to pay an initial £100m and an extra £5m coming in add-ons.
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Rice was one of Europe’s most highly sought players this season, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City all interested.
But the midfielder chose to go to Arsenal, where he will be guaranteed regular game time and more influence in the team.
Speaking to Arsenal’s website after completing the deal, Rice said: “I’m so excited – he (Mikel Arteta) speaks for himself. You see how he works – you got a real insight into how he works on the Amazon documentary, how he works with his players and, not only as a coach but psychologically, how good he is with players, how he improves players. He’s a massive factor in the reason why I’ve come here.
“I know he’s going to get the best out of me. I know I’ve got more levels to go up in my game, and I feel like he’s the manager to take me to those next levels. I’m really excited to be working with him.”
