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Bayern Munich chief fires cheeky Declan Rice transfer dig amid Arsenal admission

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
-Credit: (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)


Bayern Munich chief Max Eberl has poked fun at Thomas Tuchel's failed pursuit of Arsenal star Declan Rice.

Prior to his switch from east London to north, the 25-year-old was subject to transfer interest from across Europe following his success at West Ham. The England international captained the Hammers on the main stage and even helped the east Londoners to a famous UEFA Conference League win.

Arsenal won the race to sign Rice - completing a deal worth £105million in August 2023 - while their midfielder has been an important signing, instrumental in the dominance from the Gunners' midfield under Mikel Arteta. However, it could've been different had Tuchel's (then) Bayern twisted the arm of West Ham and landed the coveted star.

This week, former Chelsea manager Tuchel was unveiled as England's manager which will see Rice play under the German tactician - nearly two years after he pushed for his services at club level. Speaking during his recent press conference, Eberl made a tongue-in-cheek comment about Bayern's ill-fated transfer push.

"It's a good choice for them," the German chief said. "Thomas is an outstanding coach and knows English football very well. Just as a joke, he didn't get Declan Rice here [Bayern], so now he's going to Declan Rice."

The new Three Lions head coach, who will assume his role on January 1, 2025, didn't shy away from the transfer disappointment surrounding Rice, during his time in Bavaria. Tuchel admitted: "It could have been an interesting addition to have a player with his character in the squad.

"He's a good player and went to a good club. He has a profile that I don't think we have in the squad. It could be interesting to have it."