Posted by According to reports, Chelsea, led by co-owner Todd Boehly, turned down the opportunity to sign Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice in the January transfer window.
On Saturday, Arsenal finalized their purchase of Rice from West Ham United for £100 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
The England international has become the most expensive British player in history and a club record acquisition for Arsenal.
Rice, however, might have relocated to the opposite side of London if Chelsea had made a move to buy him from West Ham in the month of January.
The Telegraph reports that former Chelsea manager Graham Potter pushed for the club to recruit Rice from West Ham, but the club ultimately spent a British record of almost £105 million to bring in Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
Rice, now 24 years old, was a member of Chelsea’s youth program until he was dismissed when he was 14.