Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice did not get the warmest welcome in his side’s game against Chelsea earlier.
Despite breaking a toe, Declan Rice started at Stamford Bridge, going up against Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park.
His teammate Leandro Trossard was quick to talk up Caicedo before the game, with the two playing alongside each other at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Caicedo and Rice are two of the most expensive signings in Premier League history, so a lot of eyes were on them.
Chelsea fans mock Declan Rice
Rice used to play for Chelsea’s academy before being released by the club, and Blues supporters were quick to remind him of that fact.
As per Sky Sports, early in the game, chants of “Chelsea reject” were aimed at the 25-year-old.
Chelsea had the chance to re-sign Rice last year when West Ham United decided that they would sell him, but the Blues ended up with Caicedo instead.
Out of the two midfielders, Chelsea are convinced that Caicedo is better than Rice.
Graham Potter wanted Declan Rice at Chelsea
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter never got the chance to work with Caicedo at Stamford Bridge, but he did get to coach another £100m midfielder, Enzo Fernandez. However, it looks like he wanted the Blues to sign Rice.
According to The Telegraph, Potter encouraged Chelsea to make a move for the Englishman during the 2023 January transfer window.
Right now, Chelsea’s current boss Enzo Maresca would probably prefer Rice over Fernandez. The 23-year-old recently lost his spot in the Chelsea team, with Maresca stating that he likes Caicedo and Romeo Lavia’s physicality at present.
A midfielder like Rice could have offered the Blues that as well, but in the end a Chelsea homecoming was not to be.
Next up for the Gunners in the Premier League is Nottingham Forest, while Chelsea take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
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