In a surprising revelation, football legend Rio Ferdinand has thrown light on the recent transfer saga surrounding Arsenal's superstar Declan Rice. According to Ferdinand, if Manchester United had taken one crucial step, Rice might have swapped the Emirates for Old Trafford back in July 2023.

Declan Rice, who led West Ham United to triumph in the Europa Conference League in the 2022-23 season, took the plunge to join Arsenal for a record-breaking £105 million. His decision came as multiple rumors swirled around a potential move to Man United, eventually opting for Mikel Arteta's ambitious project with the Gunners.

Since his arrival, Rice has been instrumental in elevating Arsenal’s performance, steering the team toward potential glory in the Champions League, which they have never won before. This season, he showcased his extraordinary talent, especially in a stunning display against Real Madrid, where Arsenal triumphed 5-1 on aggregate to reach the semi-finals.

On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand speculated that had United matched Arsenal's financial offer, Rice would have likely preferred a move to Manchester. "If Manchester United had come to the table with a cheque and matched what Arsenal paid, I believe Declan Rice would have chosen United," Ferdinand stated confidently.

Ferdinand praised Rice’s standout performances during the Champions League matches, emphasizing how such high-stakes games reveal a player's true caliber. He reflected, "In both games, he not only competed but dominated the pitch. After these performances, he deserves a place in a different echelon of players."

Fellow pundit Ally McCoist echoed Ferdinand's sentiments, declaring, "Over the two matches, Rice has truly been the standout player. His level of performance was nothing short of magnificent." Together, they highlighted how Rice’s impact has not only transformed Arsenal but also raised questions about what might have been if United had acted more decisively during transfer negotiations.

As Arsenal sets its sights on a historic Champions League victory amidst the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League title, the football world will be watching closely to see how Declan Rice continues to shine on this grand stage.