July 15, (THEWILL) – Declan Rice has completed a sensational transfer from West Ham to Arsenal in a deal worth a British record £105 million.
As THEWILL reported, the highly-rated England midfielder’s departure from West Ham, the club he joined 10 years ago, was confirmed by the Hammers on Saturday morning, with Arsenal announcing the completion of the transfer later in the day. Rice’s move to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term contract makes him the most expensive English player in history.
It follows the success of the 24-year-old in guiding West Ham to victory in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina. In an open letter to West Ham fans, Rice revealed his desire for a new challenge and will play in the UEFA Champions League, which Arsenal will be competing in next season. Speaking about the move, Rice was excited to join Arsenal and his belief in what manager Mikel Arteta is building at the club.
Rice is determined to take his game to another level and help Arsenal return to their former glory. His arrival at Arsenal adds further strength to a squad that has already been bolstered during the summer transfer window. The Gunners have secured the services of Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber, and German international, Kai Havertz from Chelsea, as well as tying down France defender William Saliba, and Reiss Nelson to new long-term contracts.
With Granit Xhaka’s exit to Bayer Leverkusen, the acquisition of Rice will provide additional options in midfield for manager Mikel Arteta as Arsenal aims to bridge the gap on English Premier League champions Manchester City, having finished as runners-up last season.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
