Payback for Mudryk? Arsenal reportedly want Chelsea to take Declan Rice

Arsenal and Chelsea competed for two players in the winter and both ended up wearing the blue jersey, even though the Gunners are top of the table. João Félix and Mykhailo Mudryk were preferred by Chelsea, leaving Arsenal looking to strike back and take away the Blues’ long-term target – Declan Rice.

Both London clubs were interested in both players, with Manchester United also joining the battle for Félix. However, the Portuguese starlet eventually chose Chelsea.

In the case of Mudryk, it seemed he would head to Arsenal. There had been rumours of interest from both sides since the autumn, and at one point it seemed the transfer was a done deal.

Eventually, Chelsea stepped in, put €100 million on the table and lured the young Ukrainian to Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal are thus preparing their revenge. For Chelsea have long been cutting their teeth on their youngster Declan Rice, who started out in the Blues’ youth and spent eight years there. The 24-year-old West Ham captain is a hot commodity and is wanted by all the leading English clubs.

It was Chelsea who should have had the upper hand, not only because of Rice’s roots but also because of best friend Mason Mount, who should have persuaded his partner to make the move.

But now it seems Rice could be heading north instead of south London. Arsenal, after all, desperately need to strengthen the centre of midfield and have set their sights on a player already seasoned by the Premier League and the national team.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are preparing a summer transfer for Rice and are becoming very confident of acquiring the Hammers’ key figure.

Source: The Athletic