What Enzo Fernandez has already said about Declan Rice amid British transfer record claim

Enzo Fernandez has revealed watching footage of Declan Rice helped inspire him ahead of his record-breaking transfer to Chelsea.

The Argentina star became the most expensive player in British football history when sealing a £106.8m move from Benfica to Stamford Bridge during the dying embers of the January window.

Fernandez’s move to Chelsea caps off a meteoric rise for the 21-year-old, who was named the Young Player of the Tournament after helping lead his country to a famous World Cup win.

Rice, meanwhile, was tipped to break Fernandez’s transfer record by West Ham manager David Moyes following his impressive performance against Newcastle on Saturday.

The England international is expected to leave the east London club this summer, with Arsenal now frontrunners in the race to sign him.

Chelsea, who released Rice at the age of 14, have constantly been linked with a move for the midfielder and would likely have to pay something approaching the fee they spent on Fernandez to sign him.

Speaking during the World Cup, Fernandez said: “I try to watch as much football and learn a little bit from everyone.

“I like Rice of England, I try to watch him and learn.”