West Ham snub Arsenal in Declan Rice announcement as David Sullivan speaks out

West Ham have confirmed the departure of Declan Rice after 10 years in east London although the Hammers have refused to acknowledge their former captain is heading across London to Arsenal. Unlike most transfers, the Gunners did not announce the British-record capture of Rice in synchronisation with their counterparts after weeks of lengthy negotiations and discussions over various steps of the transfer.

But Rice is now set to join his new Arsenal team-mates on Sunday as they prepare to embark for their pre-season tour of the United States.

West Ham confirmed they’ve now said goodbye to Rice on Saturday morning in a club statement that read: “West Ham United can confirm that agreement has been reached for Declan Rice to leave the Club for a British record transfer fee.”

The statement paid tribute to Rice’s achievements and service to the Hammers while it also included direct reaction from joint chairman David Sullivan and head coach David Moyes.

Sullivan was clear to outline that West Ham had tried everything within their power to keep hold of the 24-year-old lynchpin having made the player numerous contract offers.

Don’t miss… Transfer news LIVE with Arsenal to unveil Rice as two Man City exits edge closer[LATEST]

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He said: “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.”

West Ham’s refusal to include Arsenal in their club statement could reference one of two potential scenarios.

One is that Arsenal simply haven’t announced the transfer yet themselves and they could still require further time to put together the content they desire.

Rice has been in Portugal this week, therefore the club have faced a race against time to record all of the contests they desire before going live with the formal unveiling of their new club-record arrival.

Secondly, West Ham may have not included Arsenal’s name out of spite due to the ongoing delays that have continuously dragged out the transfer.

Some outlets have reported that West Ham have only received the final bits of paperwork for Rice’s transfer in the past few days.

Moyes has also spoken out on the fact that West Ham’s transfer plans have been disrupted by the saga as rivals are now threatening to beat them to targets.

Chelsea recently refused to acknowledge that Mason Mount had joined Manchester United during their recent club statement.

It comes after the Blues rejected three proposals from United for the England international playmaker before reluctantly lowering their asking price.

Rice has since taken to Instagram to say his West Ham goodbyes as he bids an emotional farewell to the London Stadium.

He wrote: “From the very first moment I captained the side, under the guidance of Nobes, I have felt nothing other than pride & passion. As a captain, delivering that European trophy was the icing on the cake.

“My connection with the fans means everything to me and my family. You have treated us like one of your own since the day I arrived. Thank you.

“Everyone knows how special West Ham is as a club that goes for all managers, coaches, back room staff and of course, my team mates.

“Thank you for some amazing memories and some of the best days of my life. Love you all, Love Dec.”

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