121.8 million euros: record transfer from Rice to Arsenal perfect

Rice has signed a “long-term contract” with Arsenal, the London club announced on Saturday. According to British media, both clubs have agreed on a sum of 105 million pounds (121.8 million euros).

This would make the defensive midfielder the most expensive British professional footballer. Jack Grealish, who switched from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021 for 117.5 million euros, had previously held this record. For West Ham, it is also the largest transfer fee the Premier League club has ever received for a player. Arsenal did not specify the amount of the fee in their communication.

The Hammers had already announced the departure of their top performer “for a British record transfer fee” on Saturday morning. However, Arsenal as the absorbing club did not name West Ham in their communication. Arsenal was also not mentioned as a new club in the player’s open letter published on the Hammers website. According to a Sky report on Friday, Arsenal’s lawyers had delayed the move, causing frustration at West Ham.

Before Rice agreed a transfer with Arsenal, several clubs had been interested in signing him. Most recently, Manchester City is said to have dropped out of the betting. FC Bayern Munich was also said to be interested in Rice. He played a total of 245 competitive games for West Ham, last season he won the Conference League with the club.

“Declan will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Hammers fans and everyone here at the club,” said co-owner David Sullivan. However, manager David Moyes added: “West Ham United are a huge club and history has shown that no player is ever bigger than the club.”