Sixth biggest transfer in history, just that. Arsenal broke the bank. Unaccustomed to taking out the checkbook, the Gunners have this time shown their fangs by enlisting Declan Rice for around 120 million euros. A significant sum which demonstrates the ambition of Mikel Arteta and his family to return to the heights of the Premier League, a competition that Arsenal has not won since 2004. But if the midfielder leaves East London to join the North, the latter could have moved towards the South-West, richer, more flashy, some time before.
Declan Rice, a Blue at heart
From the age of 7, Declan Rice joined the very famous Chelsea academy where he met Mason Mount, his best friend ever since. From 2006 to 2013, the defensive midfielder studied with the Blues in order to discover the professional world with his training club. But at 14, “Dec” as he is nicknamed, is released by the London club. One of the hardest experiences to live in the young career of the future captain of the Hammers. The dream is over. However, Chelsea have never been far from Declan Rice. Unconditional fan of John Terry, the man with 43 selections with the Three Lions remained attentive to the success of the Blues. In 2021, after the coronation against Manchester City in the Champions League final, Mason Mount (decisive passer) was seen on a video call with the new Gunners player to share a moment of intimacy between two future teammates, or not.
Coaches’ favorite
During his first season on the Blues bench in 2019-2020, Frank Lampard ticked many names for his summer transfer window. Chelsea have cash to spend, months after being banned from signing. Kaï Havertz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Thiago Silva… Londoners are more active than ever. Declan Rice has long been mentioned to come and reinforce an environment suffering from the physical contribution of Nemanja Matic, who left in 2017 for Manchester United. “When I was at Chelsea before, I wanted to bring in Declan Rice. This kid is going to be captain of Chelsea for the next 10 years.said Frank Lampard again at the microphone of The Diary Of A CEO, famous podcast across the Channel, a few days ago. If the transfer is not made, the Blues will still return to the charge, the following summer, leaving Declan Rice time to grow.
Frank Lampard fired, Thomas Tuchel in office, plans have not changed at Chelsea. The German also wants to repatriate the young Englishman. In vain. The season passes, the Saul Niguez bet is completely missed, while the midfielder of the Blues is seen decimated by the injuries of Mateo Kovacic (15 games missed) and N’Golo Kanté (95 days of absence). The coaching waltz continues, Thomas Tuchel – in conflict with his new management – is removed from his post, and now Graham Potter is appointed head of the London club. If the debut of the new tactician is interesting, especially in the Champions League, injuries will disrupt the season, once again. Todd Boehly no longer has a choice, you have to recruit, especially in the middle. N’Golo Kanté package since August, Jorginho is in great difficulty despite a surprising Denis Zakaria. Graham Potter insists and asks for Declan Rice to come. The American billionaire does not listen to him and instead turns to Enzo Fernandez, who comes out of a remarkable World Cup by being named the best young player of the tournament. The Argentinian lands at Chelsea for €120m, almost sealing Declan Rice’s potential return to South West London.
Chelsea, an unstable project against its competitors
At the end of the contract in 2024, West Ham suggests that a sale of its captain is now possible this summer. The clubs are starting to position themselves. Over time, Declan Rice has established himself as an indisputable starter in the selection, while guiding West Ham to a European title. Enough for the Irons to credibly ask for more than €100m to let their leader go. Alas, the Blues are no longer in the race. If the latter accumulate talents (Andrey Santos, Cesar Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka), the Londoners are looking for a partner in Enzo Fernandez.
Like every season, Declan Rice is considered, but the project is stillborn, for lack of stability. Especially since his best friend Mason Mount does not receive the expected extension, after spending the 2022-2023 campaign in the closet. Arsenal, author of a formidable campaign in the Premier League, rushes on the 24-year-old midfielder, well accompanied by Manchester City. Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola say they are fans of the player. The Blues are overdue. Faced with competition, the men of Mauricio Pochettino head for Moisés Caicedo. In the end, Declan Rice joined North London, Arsenal. A transfer that seemed utopian not long ago, as the Gunners were slow to mature. A transfer that undoubtedly hurts Chelsea supporters, as the love story between Declan Rice and his training club seemed unfinished.
