Arsenal have made the Declan Rice deal official, with the English international joining in a club-record deal worth £105 million.
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United in a club-record deal. The 24-year-old joins the Gunners for £100 million plus £5 million in add-ons, thus ending weeks of speculation surrounding his future.
Arsenal have secured their priority target of this transfer window by signing Declan Rice from West Ham United. The England international becomes the Gunners’ third signing of this window, but not the last. Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar were influential in securing the former West Ham captain after breaking the club record for transfer fees.
Arsenal will pay a club-record fee to West Ham for Rice. The package costs £100 million in guaranteed money, while another £5 million will arrive as add-ons. The Gunners fended off fierce competition from Manchester City for the midfielder after Pep Guardiola’s side backed away from the bidding war.
West Ham had initially rejected two bids from the Gunners worth £80 million and £90 million, including add-ons. The North Londoners then went quiet, waiting for Manchester City to make their move. Guardiola’s side also saw an offer snubbed by the Hammers worth £90 million.
A new chapter begins. pic.twitter.com/ha5Btd8I2h
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 15, 2023
With the next bid of £105 million, Arsenal potentially took a giant step towards securing the England international as Manchester City decided to back away from the chase. Arteta has convinced Rice to join the Gunners ahead of their rivals, as the midfielder suits the Spaniard’s plans for the upcoming season and beyond.
He might start the season at the base of midfield for Arsenal, potentially replacing Thomas Partey in the role, who might depart before the window shuts. With Rice, the Gunners have a long-term option in their central area for years to come. Arteta will now build the midfield around the England international.
Rice will join fellow new arrivals Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber and becomes the third signing for Arsenal in this window. The North Londoners paid £65 million, including add-ons for the German international. As for Timber, the deal cost Arsenal around £40 million. And it will be interesting to see if any other player arrives at the Emirates this summer.
