Arsenal finally confirm transfer deal for midfielder

Arsenal have finally confirmed the arrival of midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham United on a club-record deal.

The England international has been one of the best-performing midfielders in the Premier League, and he will play for the Gunners hereafter.

The north London club agreed a club-record fee of around £105m to sign him earlier this month, and the transfer has now been announced.

Rice will wear the number 41 shirt with the Gunners. He has put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract with the option for another 12 months.

The 24-year-old should be an assured starter in midfield, and he could take up the position formerly occupied by Granit Xhaka in the XI.

Xhaka excelled playing from the advanced central midfield role last term and Rice will be aiming to make a similar impact at the club.

He is predominantly a defensive midfielder, but has the ability to operate higher up the field with his terrific ball control going forward.