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Official: Arsenal complete English record £105m signing of Declan Rice

ARSENAL have smashed the record for the transfer of English players with the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham.

The England international joins the Gunners for £105m, making him the most expensive player from the country in history.

The deal is for £100m guaranteed and £5m in add-ons, with Rice tied to Arsenal for the next five years and an option for one more year

“England international Declan Rice has joined us from West Ham United on a long-term contract,” Arsenal announced on their official website today.

“The 24-year-old midfielder already has vast experience, making 245 senior appearances for the Hammers as well as winning 43 caps for the Three Lions.

“Declan started his youth career at Chelsea, before joining the West Ham academy in 2014, and signed his first professional contract a year later. On the final day of the 2016/17 season, an 18-year-old Declan made his senior debut and soon became an integral part of their first-team squad for the following six seasons.

“He was named club captain in May 2022 and went on to lead the Hammers to the Europa Conference League title in June, and was named the tournament’s Player of the Season by UEFA. A regular with the England national team, he featured at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

Rice is the Premier League runners-up’s third summer signing after Kai Havertz from Chelsea and Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

“We’re really happy that Declan is joining us. He is a player with tremendous ability, who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for a number of seasons now,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.

“Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.

“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy.

“The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”

Sporting Director Edu said: “Declan is a player with fantastic ability and a proven record at both club and international levels. The process of this transfer has been a big team effort with a clear plan, and we are so happy that Declan is joining us.

“Declan is a high-quality, young international player who will add great strength to our squad, fitting so well into our strategy of competing with young talented players at the centre of our club.

“It’s great that Declan will be joining up with Mikel, our coaches and his new teammates in good time ahead of the new season.”

Rice will wear the No.41 shirt, which he also wore at West Ham.

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