Declan Rice joins Arsenal in record £105m deal

Deal makes midfielder the most expensive British player.

RECORD FEE: Arsenal have completed the signing of Declan Rice. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Declan Rice has completed his £105m move from West Ham to Arsenal. The midfielder was Mikel Arteta’s top target and Arsenal have seen off competition from Manchester City to land the England international in a deal that makes him the most expensive British player.

Arsenal are paying a guaranteed £100m – matching the fee City paid for Jack Grealish two summers ago – plus £5m in add-ons. The arrival of Rice cleared the way for Granit Xhaka to join Bayer Leverkusen and makes it more likely that Thomas Partey, who has interest from Juventus and Saudi Arabian clubs, will depart.