West Ham frustration clear as they ignore Arsenal while confirming Rice’s ‘British record transfer’
West Ham have confirmed the departure of captain Declan Rice for a ‘British record transfer fee’ without actually mentioning the club he’s moving to.
Arsenal were thought to have reached an agreement to sign Rice in late June after two bids were rejected and long discussions were held over the payment structure of a third.
Despite the move being in place for over a fortnight, there had been radio silence from West Ham, Arsenal and Rice over the situation.
But after Arsenal finally filed the relevant paperwork – while fearing an Oleksandr Zinchenko repeat – the deal can go through.
West Ham confirmed it at their end on Saturday morning, albeit without actually mentioning Arsenal once.
‘West Ham United can confirm that agreement has been reached for Declan Rice to leave the Club for a British record transfer fee,’ read a statement on their official website.
Joint-chairman David Sullivan added: “I am sorry to see Declan leave us, but I believe that everyone at West Ham United should be very proud of the part we have played in his journey from the Academy of Football at Chadwell Heath to becoming the most valuable young player in English football.
“I would like to make it clear to our supporters that we did not want to sell Declan. We wanted to build our team around him and made a series of improved, long-term contract offers to secure his future. However, once Declan made it clear that he wished to move on and seek a new challenge, the club felt it would not be right to stand in his way, acting in the best interests of West Ham United.
“He leaves with the sincere thanks, respect and love of everyone here, having earned his place in history alongside the great Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds as the only players to have captained West Ham United to a major trophy. More than that, he has always given absolutely everything for the football club throughout his time with us.
“Declan will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Hammers fans and everyone here at the club. We wish him well for the future and he will always be an inspiration and an example to any young player coming through our Academy.”
West Ham manager David Moyes said: “I’d like to personally thank Declan for everything he has done during his time at West Ham United. Obviously it is sad when we say goodbye to someone who has been with us for so long but we must now look forward.
“West Ham United is a huge club and, as history shows, no player is ever bigger than the club. Our entire focus now is on building upon the success we enjoyed last season, adding to our talented UEFA Europa Conference League title-winning squad as we enter our third consecutive season in Europe, and continuing to develop the best young talent through our successful Academy.”
The Hammers now hope to push ahead with their own transfer plans, although they face Premier League competition for priority target James Ward-Prowse.
