As with all clubs of their size, Chelsea have let more than a few superstars slip through their fingers as youngsters.
Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise, for example, are just two of the more explosive attackers who were once on the Blues' books.
However, when it comes to the club's biggest mistake in this regard, it's impossible to ignore the release of Declan Rice.
England-Finland-Declan-Rice
Fortunately, it now appears as if Chelsea are looking to bring in their own version of the Arsenal star, someone who'd help make Enzo Maresca's midfield even more fearsome.
Chelsea target their own Rice
There is an argument to be made that Chelsea don't need to reinforce their midfield, especially with the world-class Moises Caicedo playing so well.
However, with Roméo Lavia being so unreliable and the manager often playing Andrey Santos and Enzo Fernández further up the pitch, it would surely be wise to bring in some more top-quality competition.
This seems to be what the West Londoners are thinking anyway.
Enzo-Fernandes-Moises-Caicedo
At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea are interested in Elliot Anderson.
In fact, the report goes further, revealing that Maresca is a particular fan of the Nottingham Forest star and views him as someone who could become a leader in the middle of the park.
A potential price for the former Newcastle United gem is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this year suggest that a fee of around £100m would tempt the Tricky Trees into selling.
It would therefore be a difficult transfer to get done, but given Anderson's ability and potential, one Chelsea should be pushing for, especially as he could be their own Rice.
Why Anderson could be Chelsea's Rice
The first reason Anderson could end up being Chelsea's version of Rice is that they've both proven themselves to be positionally versatile midfielders.
Elliot Anderson for Nottingham Forest-1
For example, the former West Ham United captain started out in East London as a centre-back before moving into the six, and now at Arsenal, he starts in the eight and almost interchanges with Martin Zubimendi.
Likewise, the Forest star has played all over the pitch in his professional career, but since moving to the City Ground, he has interchanged between central and defensive midfield.
The second similarity is that they are both now England internationals, and important ones at that.
Granted, the Gunners' monstrous 41 has far more senior caps at 71, but under Thomas Tuchel, the former Newcastle gem has won six and appears to be the manager's go-to number six.
Moreover, the Three Lions boss even described the 23-year-old as "one of the best midfielders in the Premier League."
Elliot Anderson for Nottingham Forest
Finally, on top of everything else, FBref has also concluded that, among all the midfielders in the Premier League this season, Rice ranks as the tenth most similar to Anderson.
To gain a better understanding of how this conclusion has been reached, you only need to take a look at some of the underlying numbers in which the pair ranks closely.
Declan Rice vs Elliot Anderson
In this instance, those metrics include chance creation and pass accuracy, for which they are incredibly similar. While Rice makes far fewer ball recoveries, they are pretty equally matched for tackles, take-ons and interceptions.
Ultimately, it won't be a cheap transfer to get over the line, but given his immense ability and the fact that he could be Maresca's own Rice, Chelsea should do what they can to sign Anderson.
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