DECLAN RICE’s transfer to Arsenal for $10 million has been finalized.

The English superstar departs West Ham after six years with the club, having led them to the Europa Conference League championship last year..

Declan Rice is now officially an Arsenal playerCredit: Getty

He has signed a long term dealCredit: Getty

West Ham confirmed Declan Rice’s departure with the following tweet: “We can confirm Declan Rice has left the Club.”

Then, Arsenal announced his arrival, stating, “England international Declan Rice has joined us from West Ham United on a long-term contract.”

Rice, 24 years old, signed with Arsenal after the two London clubs agreed on a payment structure, with Arsenal paying £100 million by 202 and an additional £ million in bonuses.

His move from East to North London for £10 million makes him the most expensive English player ever, although this could be surpassed by Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid, which could reach £11 million if various clauses are met.

Rice joins the Arsenal squad on their Sunday flight to America for their preseason tour.

Manager Mikel Arteta stated, “We are thrilled that Declan is joining our team. He is a tremendously talented player who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for several seasons.

Declan brings unquestionable quality to the club, and he is an exceptional talent with the potential for great success here.

Declan has extensive Premier League experience despite being only 24 years old. As we all saw, he recently won a European trophy while captaining a very successful West Ham squad.

We are ecstatic that he will be joining our team because of the responsibility and role he has assumed.

It has been revealed that Rice will wear Arsenal’s No. 41 jersey.

Declan is a player with exceptional talent and a proven track record at both the club and international levels, according to Sporting Director Edu. This transfer has been the result of a large team effort and a well-defined strategy, and we are thrilled that Declan will be joining us.

Declan is a young, high-quality international player who will be a great addition to our team. He fits in perfectly with our strategy of putting young, talented players at the core of our club.

It’s fantastic that Declan will join Mikel, our coaches, and his new teammates in advance of the upcoming season.

Rice himself penned an emotional letter to West Ham supporters, explaining that joining Arsenal was a “tough” decision.

WEST HAM REACTION

West Ham confirmed Declan Rice’s departure with the following statement: “West Ham United can confirm that an agreement has been reached for Declan Rice to leave the club for a British record transfer fee.”

“I’d like to personally thank Declan for everything he’s done for West Ham United,” said West Ham manager David Moyes. Obviously, it is difficult to say goodbye to someone who has been a part of our lives for so long, but we must now look ahead.

David Sullivan, co-chair of West Ham United, stated, “I am sad to see Declan leave us, but I believe that everyone at West Ham United should be very proud of the role we played in his ascent from the Academy of Football at Chadwell Heath to the most valuable young player in English football.​

“I’d like to make it crystal clear to our supporters that we had no intention of selling Declan. We wanted to build our team around him, so we made him several improved, long-term contract offers. However, once Declan made it clear that he wished to move on and seek a new challenge, the club determined that it would not be in West Ham United’s best interests to stand in his way.

LONG RUNNING SAGA

Rice’s departure concludes a protracted transfer saga that left West Ham frustrated with the delay, as Arsenal’s lawyers spent nearly two weeks finalizing Rice’s new contract, which was reportedly worth £200,000 per week.

Earlier this summer, defending champions Manchester City made a £90 million offer for a player, only to withdraw.

The Gunners had a clear path to sign Rice, as personal terms for the club-record contract had already been agreed upon.

The transfer exceeds the previous record of £72 million paid by Arsenal to Lille for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

Mikel Arteta has already acquired Chelsea’s Kai Havertz and Ajax’s Jurrien Timber.

Granit Xhaka is closing in on a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, so Rice could replace him in the starting lineup.

After Rice’s arrival, the Gunners are also willing to listen to offers for Thomas Partey.

Rice joined Chelsea’s academy when he was six years old, in 2006. He remained there until he was released eight years later, at which point he joined West Ham’s academy.

He made his debut with the first team at age 17 and has been named the club’s Player of the Year twice.

He has scored ten goals in 204 Premier League appearances for the club.

Rice has 43 international appearances for England and has helped the Three Lions reach the final of Euro 2020 and the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 2022.

Rice penned an emotional letter to Arsenal fansCredit: Getty

Mason Mount, right, became best friends with Declan Rice, left, at Chelsea’s academyCredit: Tony Mount