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Former Chelsea manager wanted to make new Arsenal signing Blues captain
They may be taking their time with the unveiling, but Declan Rice will soon be a Gooner after Arsenal agreed a British record £105m deal with West Ham at the start of July.
The Hammers skipper is set to be the third man through the door this summer – presuming Jurrien Timber is announced before him on Friday – ahead of a hugely significant 2023/24 campaign which will see Arsenal compete in the Champions League for the first time in seven years.
The Gunners’ stellar 2022/23 season and their business this summer will raise expectations heading into 2023/24, but supporters are optimistic that the likes of Rice will ensure Arsenal improve further next season.
The England international has the potential to be a transformative addition in north London, with Arsenal having to fight off several competitors for his signature.
Frank Lampard believed Declan Rice would be Blues captain for the “next ten years”
https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1679420299522064384
Rice has long been tracked by the Premier League’s leading clubs, but he never came close to leaving West Ham before this summer. However, his exit became inevitable at the end of 2022/23 after it became clear that he would not be extending his contract in East London.
Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City, Newcastle, and Bayern Munich were among the other clubs sniffing around, but it was Arsenal who got the job done.
The Gunners were late entries to the Rice party, with the midfielder being strongly linked with a move to Chelsea during Frank Lampard’s first stint as manager. Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast, Lampard made clear his desire to bring Rice to Stamford Bridge.
“I wanted to bring Declan Rice to Chelsea when I was there as a coach before, he was my top target,” he said. “I was like… this kid, Declan, is going to be the captain of Chelsea for the next 10 years.”
A move back to West London never materialised, and Lampard will now be forced to watch Rice potentially transform Arsenal’s midfield. Chelsea, meanwhile, are locked in negotiations with Brighton for Moises Caicedo (been there, done that) as they attempt to find the optimal partner for Enzo Fernandez.