This soap opera will have long held England in suspense. Since the end of the season, Declan Rice had become the most courted player in the Premier League. Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal were engaged in a merciless battle to obtain the signature of the England international. Even Bayern Munich looked into his situation before raising the white flag in the face of the completely crazy sums that were announced.
West Ham wanted to make him the most expensive signing in Premier League history. The objective was ultimately not achieved, but the €120 million (115+5 bonus) paid out by the Gunners still makes the 24-year-old a record transfer for an Englishman. Two years ago, City paid €117 million for Jack Grealish. This time, Arsenal’s offer was accepted by the Hammers. Declan Rice’s transfer is now official as it was announced with great fanfare on social media.
Beginning of the transfer window for Arsenal
“West Ham United can confirm an agreement has been reached for Declan Rice to leave the club for an England record transfer fee. The 24-year-old England midfielder leaves the Hammers after making a total of 245 appearances for the club – the last of which ended in glory last month as he lifted the Europa League Conference trophy in Prague , ending 43 years of waiting”, says the Hammers press release. Arsenal, who have not yet confirmed the news, will be able to take advantage of the talents of their new recruit.
2nd in the Premier League after having led the dance for a long time in the league, the London club ended up losing to the power and depth of the bench of Manchester City. Once again qualified for the Champions League, 7 years after their last appearance, Arsenal hopes to take advantage of this start to the hot transfer window (Kai Havertz, Jurrën Timber and Declan Rice for the moment) to make a definitive return to the top of the basket in England .
