West Ham has finally reached an agreement with Arsenal over the sale of their star midfielder Declan Rice. It has been a busy few days for the Premier League midfielders, and Rice is the latest in line to complete his move. In the last couple of days, we have seen ex-Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gundogan completing his move to FC Barcelona. Moreover, City bought Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic as Gundogan’s replacement.
Manchester City was also reportedly in the race to buy Declan Rice alongside Arsenal. The 24-year-old Rice is one of the most sought-after midfielders currently in England. The 2022-23 Premier League champions had submitted a bid of around $113 million to West Ham for Rice. However, The Hammers rejected City’s bid and instead, reached an agreement with Arsenal.
🚨 West Ham have just communicated to Arsenal that they’re accepting £100m plus £5m add-ons fee for Declan Rice.
The two clubs remain in talks over deal structure & payment terms — as West Ham want £100m to be paid within 18 months.
Final discussions and then… done deal. pic.twitter.com/khKe5EgeFc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2023
According to reports, Arsenal will pay West Ham around $132 million for Declan Rice. Out of the $132 million, around $126 million will be paid to West Ham as guaranteed money spread over more than three years. The remaining $6 million will be paid as add-ons. However, while the two parties have agreed upon the sum, West Ham wants the payment to be completed in two years.
Official, confirmed. Kai Havertz joins Arsenal on £65m deal from Chelsea — medical completed over the weekend, he will wear number 29. ⚪️🔴✅ #AFC
First signing sealed. Next one: Declan Rice.
🎥 @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/DKRFVbxEpc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2023
Arsenal, who finished second in the Premier League this season, is pulling out all the stops for rebuilding their squad. The Gunners completed the signing of Chelsea forward Kai Havertz just a few hours ago for $82 million. With Rice’s move waiting to be confirmed soon, Arsenal will emerge as serious title contenders against the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
Will Declan Rice become the costliest English player ever?
Declan Rice will soon find a place on the list of the most expensive English soccer players in soccer history. Rice’s transfer will potentially break numerous records in English soccer history. However, will he become the costliest English soccer player ever? Let’s take a look.
To date, Jude Bellingham holds the record for being the most expensive English soccer star. The 19-year-old midfielder completed his move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid a couple of weeks ago. The Spanish giants paid a mammoth sum of around $145 million to sign the talented English midfielder. After Bellingham, Jack Grealish is the next most costliest English player.
Manchester City paid around $126 million for the former Aston Villa star, an investment which duly proved its worth. Next come the likes of Harry Maguire’s $101 million move to Manchester United, followed by Jadon Sancho’s $94 million move to United again. However, if Arsenal completes Rice’s signing, the West Ham captain will become the second-most expensive English player in history.
Chelsea paid £105m for World Cup Winner Enzo Fernandez.
Arsenal are paying £105m for Conference League Winner Declan Rice. pic.twitter.com/EWx87ZQuVL
— AzM (@CFCAzM) June 27, 2023
Moreover, Declan Rice will also become the costliest player in Arsenal’s history. He will break Nicholas Pepe’s record of a $91 million move from Lille in 2019. In addition to this, Rice’s transfer amount will also be the second-highest fee paid by an English club ever for a player. The player who tops this list is Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandes, for whom Chelsea paid around $135 million earlier this year.
