Former Premier League champions Arsenal confirmed the £100m signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United.

The Gunners’ confirmed the midfielder’s acquisition via their social media on Saturday morning.

The announcement came after Rice’s open letter to West Ham fans.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise in describing his newest signing.

“He is a player with tremendous ability, who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for a number of seasons now,” said Arteta.

“Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.

“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy.”

“The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”

The Gunners who finished second last season, beat out League champions Manchester City for the players signature.

City withdrew from their pursuit of the England international after they had a £90m offer turned down.

Arsenal succeeded with their third bid for Rice, having had two earlier offers rejected which were below West Ham’s £100m asking price.

The initial fee for Rice equals the £100m City paid for Ex-Aston Villa Captain Jack Grealish in 2021.