Declan Rice has finally been acquired by Arsenal in a £105 million deal, setting a new record for a British player.
.
Rice has now been officially welcomed by Arsenal, who announced his signing on their official website. The midfielder is said to have signed a long-term deal that runs through 2028 with an additional year’s option.
The England international has posed for photos in his new Arsenal kit and it’s been confirmed Rice will wear his favoured No.41 shirt.
Rice has emerged as one of the best central midfielders in Europe in recent years, and Arsenal’s acquisition of him represents a major victory as the Gunners outbid a number of elite clubs for his services.
Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal is in jeopardy as Rice is anticipated to start in the defensive midfield position. The Ghanaian international has been linked to a high-profile transfer to Saudi Arabia so he may leave this summer alongside Granit Xhaka.
Rice has already trained at the London Colney gym with his new team-mates today and will fly out of London for their pre-season tour of the United States on Sunday.
.
He will be joined by fellow new recruit Jurrien Timber, who completed his £38m move to Arsenal from Ajax on Friday.
Rice is Arsenal’s third major summer signing as they’ve also snapped up Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a £60m deal, meaning Arteta has spent over £200m on players so far this summer.
