Chelsea could now be made to regret not signing 24-year-old last summer, he’s on fire

Add as preferred source on Google

As Declan Rice scored a last-minute winner for Arsenal against Luton Town last night, some Chelsea fans may have been wondering what if.

Declan Rice was, of course, once part of Chelsea‘s academy and had been heavily linked with a move back to west London before his switch from West Ham United to Arsenal.

According to The Telegraph, Mauricio Pochettino‘s predecessor Graham Potter and his predecessor Thomas Tuchel both wanted the club to sign him.

In the end, though, for whatever reason, the decision-makers at Stamford Bridge did not seem too keen on bringing Rice back to west London. By not doing so, you cannot help but feel that Chelsea have made a mistake here, especially with the 24-year-old going on to join their rivals instead, where he is now thriving.

What would Declan Rice have brought to Chelsea?

Rice is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, maybe the best.

Last season, he made 63 interceptions, which was actually the most recorded in the division (FBref). This term, the Englishman is also averaging the most per game in Arsenal’s squad, according to WhoScored.

Rice is also popping up with some important goals, even scoring against Chelsea in his side’s 2-2 draw with the Blues back in October.

Ultimately, there is a lot Rice could have brought to Pochettino’s team, including experience and leadership, things currently lacking at Stamford Bridge.

Will Chelsea regret not signing Declan Rice?

Right now, it is looking like a bit of a mistake letting him go to Arsenal. The Blues had to rebuild their midfield in the summer as well, so they had a reason to go after the England international.

They signed Moises Caicedo instead, though, and if he can successfully adapt at Stamford Bridge and replicate the same kind of impact that Rice is making in north London, then it will be easy to forget about the former West Ham captain.

But if that does not happen, Chelsea supporters may start questioning the club’s decision not to go all out for him, if they are not doing that already.