On Saturday, Declan Rice became the most expensive British player as Arsenal signed him from West Ham for a reported fee of £105 million ($137.5 million). This surpassed the previous record set by Jack Grealish’s transfer to Manchester City in 2021 for £100 million. Arsenal’s acquisition of Rice is part of their ambitious spending spree as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title in the upcoming season.
In a letter to West Ham supporters, Rice expressed his desire to play at the highest level, which influenced his decision to join Arsenal. The 24-year-old midfielder recently helped West Ham win their first major trophy since 1980 in the Europa Conference League final. However, by moving to Arsenal, he will now have the opportunity to compete in the Champions League instead of the Europa Conference League.
Rice spoke highly of Arsenal and their manager, Mikel Arteta, stating his belief in the project and the squad being built at the club. Arsenal has already spent around £200 million since the end of the previous season in an effort to strengthen the team after finishing second in the Premier League. The club aims to recapture the success they experienced under Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles” in 2004.
Rice is optimistic about the future of Arsenal, citing the young talent within the team such as Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli. He believes in Arteta’s coaching abilities and sees Arsenal as a platform to elevate his game to new heights.
While Jude Bellingham’s potential transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid may eventually surpass Rice’s record, for now, Rice has the responsibility of justifying his massive fee. He joins Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber as the latest additions to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
With Swiss international Granit Xhaka having left to join Bayer Leverkusen, Rice’s arrival will bolster Areta’s midfield options.
“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,” 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.
“The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”
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