Declan Rice has penned a farewell letter to West Ham United fans.

Arsenal are set to announce the signing of the West Ham captain in the coming hours.

"The last few days and weeks have been an absolute whirlwind of emotion," said Rice.

"You have taken me into your hearts as one of your own from day one. Even when it was just a handful of fans at the Under-18 or Under-23 games, I felt that love, and it has just grown stronger as the years have passed.

"Playing in front of you has been an honour, we have had such great times together, and you all mean so much to me.

"I want you to know how tough a decision it has been for me to leave an environment that I have loved and cherished so much.

"Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game."

"Playing on the opposite team to West Ham for the first time will be an unusual experience.

"I'm not sure yet exactly how I will feel, but I also know you will all understand and respect that my professional loyalties have to now lie with my new club.

"I will always give 100% every single time I pull on the shirt - because that is how I have been brought up at West Ham, and I'm sure you wouldn't expect anything else."