We’re thrilled to welcome Declan Rice, an England international, to our team from West Ham United! He’s signed a fantastic long-term contract with us.

Declan, who is only 24 years old, brings with him a wealth of experience. He’s played in an impressive 245 matches for West Ham United and has proudly represented his country with 43 caps for the England national team.

Declan’s football journey began at Chelsea in his early years, but in 2014, he joined the West Ham academy and it’s been his home since. Just a year later, he signed his very first professional contract. On the exhilarating final day of the 2016/17 season, at the young age of 18, Declan made his senior debut and swiftly became an integral part of the first-team squad for the following six seasons. We’re excited to see his continued growth and impact with us!

In May 2022, he earned the prestigious role of club captain, and he guided the Hammers to an incredible victory in the Europa Conference League, becoming the champions in June. As a cherry on top, he was honored as the UEFA Player of the Season for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Not only has he been a regular and valued member of the England national team, but he also showcased his talent at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It’s truly remarkable to see his leadership and success on the field!

Declan Rice has officially joined Arsenal in a sensational £105m transfer from West Ham. He was Mikel Arteta’s top priority, and despite fierce competition from Manchester City, Arsenal emerged victorious in securing the services of this talented midfielder. In fact, this deal makes Declan the most expensive British player in history!

Arsenal has committed to a guaranteed payment of £100m, which is on par with the fee City paid for Jack Grealish a couple of summers ago. Additionally, there are £5m in potential add-ons included. With Declan’s arrival, it paves the way for Granit Xhaka to make his move to Bayer Leverkusen, and it also increases the likelihood of Thomas Partey departing, as he has attracted interest from Juventus and Saudi Arabian clubs.

It’s an exciting time for Arsenal fans as we welcome Declan Rice to our club and eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will bring to our team!

We’ve already brought in the talented forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea for a fee that could rise to £65m, and the skilled defender Jurriën Timber joined us from Ajax in a deal that could reach €45m (£38.6m) with potential add-ons.

With these exciting additions to our team, Arsenal is shaping up for an incredible season ahead. We’re thrilled to have Rice, Havertz, and Timber on board, and we can’t wait to see their contributions on the field. Let’s cheer them on as they help take our club to new heights!

“I’m really excited about joining Arsenal,” expressed Rice. “Working with Mikel and seeing how he operates, the youthful squad, the vibrant energy surrounding the club, and the challenge of restoring Arsenal to their rightful place mean a great deal to me. I know the fans share that same desire. As a player, I arrive here with a burning hunger for more success and a strong ambition to spend the prime years of my career at this remarkable club.”

It’s worth noting that the highest fee ever paid by a British club was Chelsea’s £106.8m to Benfica for the Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández in January.

In a heartfelt letter to West Ham fans, Rice bid his farewells after experiencing “an absolute whirlwind of emotions” in recent weeks. He expressed the difficulty of his decision to leave a cherished and beloved environment. He stated, “I want you to understand how challenging this decision has been for me, as it means departing from a place I have loved and treasured immensely. This club and its supporters will forever hold a special place in my heart and will always be a part of who I am.”