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England international Declan Rice has joined Arsenal FC from London rivals West Ham United on a long-term contract for a record transfer fee.
The 24-year-old midfielder already has vast experience, making 245 senior appearances for the Hammers as well as winning 43 caps for the Three Lions.
Declan started his youth career at Chelsea FC, before joining the West Ham academy in 2014, and signed his first professional contract a year later. On the final day of the 2016/17 season, an 18-year-old Declan made his senior debut and soon became an integral part of their first-team squad for the following six seasons.
He was named club captain in May 2022 and went on to lead the Hammers to the UEFA Europa Conference League title in June, and was named the tournament’s Player of the Season by UEFA. A regular with the England national team, he featured at both UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Arsenal FC sporting director Edu said, “Declan is a player with fantastic ability and a proven record at both club and international levels. The process of this transfer has been a big team effort with a clear plan, and we are so happy that Declan is joining us.”
“Declan is a high-quality, young international player who will add great strength to our squad, fitting so well into our strategy of competing with young talented players at the centre of our club.”
“It’s great that Declan will be joining up with Mikel, our coaches and his new teammates in good time ahead of the new season.”
Arsenal FC manager Mikel Arteta added, “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. Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.”
“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy. The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”
Declan Rice will wear the number 41 Arsenal FC shirt.
