Declan Rice smiles during aPremier Leaguematch.
England internationalDeclan Ricehas completed his transfer from boyhood clubWest Ham UnitedtoArsenalin a British record £105million Ԁєɑł.
The midfielder’s departure from West Ham was confirmed by them on Saturday afternoon, withArsenallater taking to social media to announce that the switch had been completed.
Rice’s switch to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term contract sees him become the most expensive English player in history. It follows on from the former West Ham captain guiding his old club to victory in the Europa Conference League final versus Italian outfit Fiorentina.
Earlier on Saturday, Rice had penned an open letter to West Ham fɑɴȿ, revealing the desire of playing in the Champions League – whichArsenalwill next season – was one of the ɾєɑȿօɴs behind his “tough” decision to leave.
West Ham’s joint-chairman David Sullivan confirmed last month the east London club had a gentleman’s agreement with Rice to allow him to leave this summer after the player turned down the offer of a highly-lucrative new contract.
Rice made 245 appearances for the Irons, with his last helping secure a first trophy since 1980.
“This club and its supporters will always be in my heart and forever a part of who I am,” Rice said. “Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game.
“Playing on the opposite team to West Ham for the first time will be an unusual experience.
“I’m not sure yet exactly how I will feel, but I also know you will all understand and respect that my professional loyalties have to now lie with my new club.”
Speaking to theArsenalwebsite, Rice said he was determined to take his game to another level with the Gunners.
“In football, amazing opportunities arise. Big clubs, likeArsenal, have come for me and it’s really hard to turn down,” Rice said.
“You only ever get one career and I really believe in what Mikel is building here and the squad he’s building. I’m really looking forward to the future withArsenal.”
Rice added: “With Mikel and how he works, the squad, how young everyone is, the energy around the club and also the challenge of gettingArsenalback to where they belong, that means a lot to me.
“I know the fɑɴȿ really want that. For me as a player, I’ve come here really hungry to have more success and to spєɴԀ my best years at this great club.
“I know he (Arteta) is 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 am really excited to be working with him.”
Rice is the latest addition to anArsenalsquad which has already been strengthened over the summer, with the arrival of Netherlands defєɴԀer Jurrien Timber having been confirmed on Friday.
German international Kai Havertz has moved from Chelsea, while the Gunners have also seen France defєɴԀer William Saliba and Reiss Nelson commit their futures to the club on new long-term contracts.
With Granit Xhaka having left to join Bayer Leverkusen, the arrival of Rice will further bolster Mikel Areta’s midfield options asArsenallook to close the gap on Manchester City after finishing runners-up in thePremier Leaguelast season.
