Rice reveals Arteta factor was vital as £105m transfer is confirmed by Arsenal – ‘hard to turn down’ | OneFootball

Declan Rice smiles during a Premier League match.

England international Declan Rice has completed his transfer from boyhood club West Ham United to Arsenal in a British record £105million deal.

The midfielder’s departure from West Ham was confirmed by them on Saturday afternoon, with Arsenal later taking to social media to announce that the switch had been completed.

Rice’s switch to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term contract sees him become the most expensive English player in history. It follows on from the former West Ham captain guiding his old club to victory in the Europa Conference League final versus Italian outfit Fiorentina.

Earlier on Saturday, Rice had penned an open letter to West Ham fans, revealing the desire of playing in the Champions League – which Arsenal will next season – was one of the reasons behind his “tough” decision to leave.

West Ham’s joint-chairman David Sullivan confirmed last month the east London club had a gentleman’s agreement with Rice to allow him to leave this summer after the player turned down the offer of a highly-lucrative new contract.

Rice made 245 appearances for the Irons, with his last helping secure a first trophy since 1980.

“This club and its supporters will always be in my heart and forever a part of who I am,” Rice said. “Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game.

“Playing on the opposite team to West Ham for the first time will be an unusual experience.

“I’m not sure yet exactly how I will feel, but I also know you will all understand and respect that my professional loyalties have to now lie with my new club.”

Speaking to the Arsenal website, Rice said he was determined to take his game to another level with the