Jody Morris, former assistant manager of Chelsea, has revealed that he was pushing for the signing of Declan Rice years before the midfielder joined Arsenal in a £105 million deal last summer. Morris claims that he saw Rice as a long-term replacement for N’Golo Kante and believes that the player would have been open to returning to Chelsea after being released from the club’s academy in 2013. West Ham, Rice’s former club, would have reportedly accepted a bid worth £60 million for the talented midfielder.
Morris expressed his interest in Rice during his time as Lampard’s assistant at Chelsea. He believed that Rice’s presence would have provided the team with much-needed energy and athleticism, especially considering Kante’s injury troubles. However, Lampard was initially hesitant, admitting that he hadn’t seen enough of Rice to make a decision. But after a closer look, Lampard became convinced of Rice’s abilities and began discussions with the player.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, the potential transfer fell through. The club was quoted a price of around £60-65 million for Rice, which Morris believes would have been a bargain considering the player’s talent and potential. Despite the failed bid, Rice has gone on to achieve great success at West Ham and has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League.
It is clear that Morris saw great potential in Rice and believed that he would have been a valuable addition to Chelsea’s squad. However, circumstances did not align for the transfer to happen. Nevertheless, Morris’s revelation sheds light on the club’s interest in Rice and highlights the talent that Arsenal managed to secure with their £105 million deal.
As for Rice, he has proven himself to be a key player for Arsenal and has thrived since joining the club. His performances on the pitch have justified his hefty price tag, and he has become an integral part of Arsenal’s midfield. It seems that both Rice and Arsenal have benefited greatly from the transfer, while Chelsea may be left wondering what could have been.
In conclusion, Jody Morris’s revelation about Chelsea’s failed £60 million transfer bid for Declan Rice provides an interesting insight into the club’s interest in the midfielder. Despite the potential deal falling through, Rice has gone on to achieve great success at Arsenal and has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best young talents. It serves as a reminder that sometimes missed opportunities can lead to unexpected outcomes.