Rice says playing at ‘very highest level’ behind decisionArsenal deal will make midfielder most expensive British player
Declan Rice’s ambition to play “at the very highest level” was behind his “tough” decision to leave West Ham. The 24-year-old’s departure from the club he joined a decade ago in a club-record £105m deal – making him the most expensive British player in history – was confirmed by the Hammers before his imminent move to Arsenal.
Rice will be Arsenal’s third summer signing, after the forward Kai Havertz was bought from Chelsea for a fee rising to £65m the defender Jurriën Timber came from Ajax in a deal that could reach €45m (£38.6m) with add-ons.
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