The explanation for why West Ham passed over Arsenal when declaring Declan Rice's exit

Declan Rice is leaving West Ham after ten years with the club, although the announcement makes no mention of him transferring to Arsenal.

West Ham announced Rice's departure on Saturday in a club-record £105 million move, making the midfielder the most expensive British player in history.

Rice will be Arsenal's third summer signing, following the £65 million signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea and the £38.6 million signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

Rice's final act as a West Ham player was to become only the club's third captain, following Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, to win a major trophy, after the club won the Europa Conference League last month.

However, the England international desires to play in the Champions League, which Arsenal can provide.

West Ham also revealed that the 24-year-old will be leaving the London Stadium in a British record deal, although there was no mention of Arsenal.

This despite the fact that the two clubs have been embroiled in lengthy negotiations for weeks.

According to the Mirror, this cost West Ham money in the transfer market, much to Sullivan's chagrin. This could be why Arsenal was left out of the Hammers' statement.

Indeed, West Ham's alleged dissatisfaction with the agreement was made clear this week by manager David Moyes.