Arsenal announce the signing of Declan Rice

Arsenal have completed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United for a club-record fee.

With the Gunners cooling their interest in Moises Caicedo, Rice was Arsenal’s top target in midfield and a move to north London looked like a formality for most parts of the transfer window.

However, Manchester City did attempt to throw a late spanner in the works by submitting a £90 million offer which was turned turned down as West Ham held out for £100m.

After a series of negotiations, Arsenal finally reached an agreement to sign Rice for a guaranteed £100m plus a further £5m in add-ons, eclipsing the £72m paid for Nicholas Pepe in 2019.

Rice is Arsenal’s third summer signing following the earlier acquisition of Kai Havertz and Jurien Timber from Chelsea and Ajax respectively.

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in European football and his arrival certainly bodes well for Arsenal’s title hopes next season.

Albeit at a relatively lower level, Rice also possesses experience in European football having captained West Ham to Conference League glory last season.

His arrival frees up the potential departure of Thomas Partey amid interest from Juventus and Saudi Arabian sides in the Ghana international.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also working on another addition in the centre of the pitch as they remain in the hunt to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton.