Declan Rice is looking forward to getting to work with Arsenal after an “overwhelming” few weeks.
The Gunners finally confirmed the £105m capture of the England international on Saturday, hours after West Ham had released a statement confirming his departure from the club.
After months of talks, Arsenal finally have their leading target following a reported delay in regards to the wording of contracts.
Transfer news LIVE! Follow the latest Arsenal gossip and rumours!
The 24-year-old has signed a long-term deal in north London and will make his first appearance during the club’s preseason tour of the United States. He will continue to wear the No.41 shirt.
“It’s been a bit overwhelming because of my relationship with West Ham,” he said.
“[With] the love and support I have for them, it’s been really hard to walk away. In football, amazing opportunities arise. Big clubs, like Arsenal, have come for me and it’s really hard to turn down.
“You only ever get one career and I really believe in what Mikel is building here and the squad he’s building. I’m really looking forward to the future with Arsenal.”
Rice is the second signing the club have made this week, after Jurrien Timer through the door following his £38.4m move from Ajax.
“I’ve been looking at Arsenal over the last couple of seasons and the trajectory they’ve been going on,” he added.
“Not last season but the season before, they finished fifth but you could see the style of play Mikel was implementing.
“Last season was an outstanding season, blowing pretty much every team out of the water with the exception of Man City.”
Arsenal had already signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65m as Mikel Arteta looks to challenge for the Premier League title.
