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Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham in a club-record £105million deal.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who joined the Hammers in 2014 after being released by Chelsea, has penned a long-term contract at the Emirates.

Rice captained West Ham to Europa Conference League glory in his final game
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Rice captained West Ham to Europa Conference League glory in his final gameCredit: Getty
Arsenal fans finally got the news they were waiting for
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Arsenal fans finally got the news they were waiting forCredit: Arsenal

Arsenal announced the deal by live streaming a video of Rice being introduced to his teammates in a meeting.

Manager Mikel Arteta addressed his players during their pre-season tour of Germany before introducing Rice alongside fellow new signing Jurrien Timber, who was announced on Friday.

As the camera panned to Rice in the back row, he said: "I'll say a few words. First day... really looking forward to playing with you all, to sharing memories together and see what you've been doing the last couple seasons.

"I'm really looking forward to getting started and enjoying a few trophies together."

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Rice, who will wear No.41, becomes Arsenal's third signing of the summer and takes their spending to £210m.

In an official club statement, manager Mikel Arteta said: "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.

Rice agreed personal terms earlier this month
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Rice agreed personal terms earlier this monthCredit: Getty
He will wear the No.41 shirt like he did at West Ham
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He will wear the No.41 shirt like he did at West HamCredit: Getty

"The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us."

After a lengthy delay in announcing the British record deal, which was agreed eleven days ago, the England star bid farewell to the Hammers in an open letter on Saturday morning.

Rice made more than 200 Premier League appearances for West Ham and his last act was to lift the Europa Conference League trophy.

The £65m acquisition of Kai Havertz from Chelsea was Arsenal's first piece of business.

And they then announced the arrival of versatile defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax for £40m on Friday.

England international Rice becomes the second-most expensive player in Premier League history, behind Chelsea's £107m midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

It is understood that Arsenal have forked out an initial £100m for Rice, with a further £5m to be paid in add-ons.

The transfer has eclipsed Arsenal's previous club-record transfer, which stood at £72m after they lured Nicolas Pepe over from Lille in 2019.

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