London (AFP)

Eintracht Frankfurt's French striker Sebastien Haller has been transferred to West Ham for five seasons and has become the most expensive rookie in English club history, the Hammers announced Wednesday.

The amount of the transaction would be 50 million euros (£ 45 million) according to the English press, four million more than the previous West Ham record of 46 million euros (£ 42 million) for the transfer of Felipe Anderson from Lazio Rome, in 2018.

"West Ham United is pleased to announce the arrival of the prolific French striker Sebastien Haller, the club's most expensive rookie," said the London squad.

The 25-year-old, who has joined England for five years plus an option year, has scored 20 goals in 41 appearances in the German league for Eintracht Francfot last season.

Formed in Auxerre, passed by Utrecht, and regularly called in teams of young France, Sebastien Haller will have to compensate the departure of the center-forward of the "Hammers", the Austrian Marko Arnautovic, who is committed to the club. Chinese Shangai SIPG.

"I feel really good, I think it's a chance for me to be here, that means a lot (to be the most expensive player in the club's history, ed.). wanted me for a while, "said the player on the website of the East London club.

"I felt a real desire to make me sign here, so I'm very happy to have made this choice ... (...) I can assure you that I will give myself 100% for this club, because the club gave me his confidence so I will try to give him the same every day, every game, "added the striker.

During his two years at Eintracht Frankfurt, Haller played 75 matches and scored 32 goals.

Previously, he had also made a successful run at FC Utrecht, where he had made 51 goals in 98 games, before joining Germany.

The French striker is the third summer rookie of West Ham, after the arrivals of Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals and goaltenders Roberto and David Martin.

Haller will not join Manuel Pellegrini's group until the "Hammers" return from China, where they are currently playing in the Premier League Asia Trophy.

© 2019 AFP