Declan Rice has completed his £105m move to Arsenal from West Ham United.
The deal to take the 24-year-old England international from East to North London is understood to have been agreed more than a week ago, but delays in the paperwork had caused the saga to drag on.
However, West Ham have now confirmed that their captain has left for a British record transfer fee, eclipsing the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.
The Hammers' statement was noticeably missing any specific mention of Arsenal by name following reports that the Europa Conference League winners had grown frustrated with their London rivals due to the delay in finalising the deal.
Official confirmation has not yet arrived from Arsenal either, although the Premier League runners-up are expected to announce his arrival imminently.
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The move means that Rice will join up with his new Arsenal teammates in time to embark on their pre-season tour of the United States, for which they leave on Sunday.
The midfielder becomes the Gunners' third major signing of the summer, joining Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber - the latter of whom's arrival was confirmed on Friday - at the Emirates Stadium.
Rice joined the Hammers as a 14-year-old and came through the academy before breaking into the first team and going on to become an integral figure for the club.
A three-time West Ham Player of the Season, Rice featured 245 times for the senior side and lifted the club's first major trophy for 43 years in his final game as they won the Europa Conference League in Prague.
Thank you for the memories, Dec. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yknfIMLcHj
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 15, 2023
In a lengthy open letter to West Ham fans, Rice said: "I want you to know how tough a decision it has been for me to leave an environment that I have loved and cherished so much.
"Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game.
"Playing on the opposite team to West Ham for the first time will be an unusual experience. I'm not sure yet exactly how I will feel, but I also know you will all understand and respect that my professional loyalties have to now lie with my new club.
"However, that does not mean my love and respect for you all has been diminished in any way. This club and its supporters will always be in my heart, and forever a part of who I am.
"What we shared together in Prague last month, and in the celebrations that followed at Upton Park and Stratford the next day, will never, ever be forgotten. The first major trophy of my career is something that means so, so much to me."
Academy of Football to European champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/nyylbGFDJL
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 15, 2023
Joint-chairman David Sullivan added: "I would like to make it clear to our supporters that we did not want to sell Declan. We wanted to build our team around him and made a series of improved, long-term contract offers to secure his future.
"However, once Declan made it clear that he wished to move on and seek a new challenge, the club felt it would not be right to stand in his way, acting in the best interests of West Ham United."
Manager David Moyes also said: "I'd like to personally thank Declan for everything he has done during his time at West Ham United. Obviously it is sad when we say goodbye to someone who has been with us for so long but we must now look forward.
"West Ham United is a huge club and, as history shows, no player is ever bigger than the club."
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In addition to establishing himself as a West Ham legend, Rice has also cemented his place as a regular starter for England under Gareth Southgate, winning 43 caps for his country and helping them to finish as runners-up at Euro 2020.
Arsenal will take on an MLS All-Stars team in their pre-season opening next week, before facing the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Monaco.
Rice's first taste of competitive domestic action in an Arsenal shirt could then come in the Community Shield against Manchester City at Wembley, before the Gunners host Nottingham Forest on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Barney Corkhill
