Arsenal have completed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United for a club-record fee of £105m. The England international has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners, keeping him at the club until 2028.
Rice has been Arsenal’s top transfer target for the summer window and the Gunners have finally got their man after seeing off competition from Manchester City. The midfielder is seen as a key part of Mikel Arteta’s plans to rebuild the Arsenal squad and help them challenge for the Premier League title.
Rice is a versatile midfielder who can play in a number of positions, including as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, and a box-to-box midfielder. He is known for his strong tackling ability, his passing range, and his leadership qualities.
The 24-year-old made 245 appearances for West Ham in all competitions, scoring 14 goals. He was named the club’s Player of the Year in 2021-22 and was also named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Rice is Arsenal’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners are expected to continue to strengthen their squad in the coming weeks as they look to challenge for the Premier League title.
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What does the transfer mean for Arsenal?
The signing of Declan Rice is a major coup for Arsenal and it shows that the club is serious about challenging for the Premier League title. Rice is a world-class midfielder who will add a lot of quality to the Arsenal squad. He is also a leader and he will be a valuable asset to Mikel Arteta’s team.
The signing of Rice will also help to address one of Arsenal’s biggest weaknesses in recent years. The Gunners have lacked a dominant midfielder who can control the game and Rice fits that bill perfectly. He is a strong tackler and he is also very good at passing the ball. He will also be a valuable asset in the air.
What does the transfer mean for West Ham?
The loss of Declan Rice is a big blow for West Ham. The midfielder was their captain and he was one of the best players in the Premier League. However, the Hammers have been compensated well for Rice and they will be able to reinvest the money in other areas of the squad.
West Ham are still a good team and they will be looking to challenge for European qualification next season. However, they will need to find a replacement for Rice who can provide the same level of quality.
What are the fans saying?
Arsenal fans are delighted with the signing of Declan Rice. They believe that he is the perfect player to help the club challenge for the Premier League title. The fans are also excited about the prospect of Rice playing alongside Thomas Partey in midfield.
West Ham fans are disappointed to see Rice leave the club, but they understand that he wanted to move to a bigger club. The fans wish Rice all the best for his future and they hope that he will continue to be successful.