At a Glance:
Pep Guardiola signed Kalvin Phillips over Declan Rice at Manchester City in 2022.
Guardiola believed Phillips trumped Rice in two aspects.
Rice chose Arsenal over Manchester City the following year.
Arsenal fans must be grateful for the signing of Declan Rice to this day, considering the Englishman has elevated Mikel Arteta’s side since his arrival in 2023.
Rice has become a fan favourite at Arsenal and this season, he has finally managed to win a major trophy at the club by becoming a Premier League champion.
Donning the captain’s armband on a few instances this campaign as well, the 27-year-old has not only cemented his status as a top-class midfielder but also as a leader for the Gunners.
While Rice is considered an Arsenal legend by many, now-former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was against the idea of securing his services in 2022.
Pep Guardiola chose Kalvin Phillips over Declan Rice for Man City in 2022
According to The Telegraph, Guardiola opted for the addition of Kalvin Phillips over Rice because he felt the former Leeds United hero was a superior passer and better at scanning before receiving the ball.
After Phillips’ ill-fated debut season at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola, who has left Manchester City now tried to right his wrongs by trying to add the former West Ham United skipper to his roster in 2023.
However, Mikel Arteta had already done the groundwork by that point to sign Rice, who was keen to play under him for three reasons in particular.
Arteta’s drive and determination
Knowing his long-term role in the side
Backing Mikel Arteta to improve him as a player
Bernardo Silva claimed Manchester City were in transition, which cost them in the title race and while that is true, Guardiola would have been helped had he said yes to Rice’ potential acquisition four years ago.
Declan Rice took a brave decision by joining Arsenal
When Pep Guardiola was keen on signing Rice a year after having doubts about him, the Arsenal star may still have been tempted by the prospect of working under the Catalan tactician at City.
However, the England international took the brave decision of believing in Mikel Arteta’s project and after two seasons of frustration where he did not lift a trophy, the Englishman has finally won the title.
When Arsenal play PSG in the Champions League final, Rice could feel even more vindicated if by full-time, he manages to also win Europe’s elite competition.
Srinivas Sadhanand
Srinivas Sadhanand is a writer for Read Arsenal and Read Man City, with over eight years of experience as a sports journalist. He has worked for established companies such as GRV Media, The Economic Times, Urban Pitch and Sportskeeda among several others. From interview athletes to writing detailed tactical pieces and covering the impact streetwear and music in football, he has many strings to his bow as a journalist. Being a lifelong Manchester City fan, he specialises in writing about them and the Premier League in particular. Away from the desk, he loves watching European football, cricket, films, listening to music and exploring new foods.
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