Declan Rice told Chelsea he was still a Blues fan and wanted to return to Stamford Bridge, where he’d spent several years as a youngster, prior to his 2023 move to Arsenal from West Ham
Rice was heavily linked with a return to Stamford Bridge during the latter stages of his West Ham tenure, and could’ve joined Chelsea for as little as £60million a few years back. The 25-year-old spent seven years in the Blues’ youth academy, but failed to earn a professional contract at the club, unlike bezzie mate Mason Mount.
Frank Lampard insists he urged the club to re-sign Rice during his initial spell as manager, and Lampard’s assistant, former Chelsea star Jody Morris, claims to have spoken to Rice on the phone during that time, and was told the midfielder was keen on the move.
