TheCable

Declan Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United on Saturday in a record-breaking deal for the English Premier League (EPL).

According to Skysports, the deal taking Rice to Arsenal is worth £105 million, the highest paid by Arsenal for any player, eclipsing the £72 million it paid for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

It is also a record transfer between two British clubs.

The former West Ham captain signed a long-term deal to stay with the North London club, a statement from Arsenal reads.

Rice is Arsenal’s third high-profile signing in the summer transfer window following cash splurge on both Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

Speaking on the transfer, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, praised Rice’s abilities and EPL experience.

“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,” he 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.”

Rice made 245 appearances for West Ham United in six years as a first-team player. He led the team to its first European trophy in 43 years with a triumph in the UEFA Conference League.