Arsenal Agree Declan Rice Deal, Most Expensive English Players[Top 5]

Arsenal have agreed a record £105million deal to sign West Ham captain, Declan Rice.

The transfer fee breaks down as an £100m upfront and £5m in add-ons.

This breaks the Gunner’s own record, which is the £72m they paid Lille for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

Rice becomes the second most expensive English footballer in history.

He is only behind Jude Bellingham, who moved from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid this summer for £115million.

Jack Grealish’s £100m move from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021 makes him the third costliest English player.

The top five is completed by Harry Maguire (£80m, Leicester City to Manchester United) and Jadon Sancho (£73m, Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United).

Arsenal have been working hard in the close season to improve a squad which pushed City hard in the Premier League last season, eventually finishing second.

They completed the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea on Wednesday for £65million.

The German forward has made the move across London after three seasons with the Blues, during which he made 139 appearances, scoring 32 goals, including the winner in the 2021 Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also pursuing a move for Ajax full-back Jurrien Timber.