5 Ways Arsenal's Declan Rice and Chelsea Duo Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandes Have Proven 100m Transfers Can Work

Declan Rice and Chelsea duo Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes have proven 100m transfers can work. But here are five reasons how.

While many big-money football transfers have struggled to deliver, some recent nine-figure moves for midfielders are proving exceptionally wise.

 Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez are redefining what it means to spend big in the middle of the park. Here are 5 detailed reasons why these £100 million-plus signings are working out.

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1. Breaking the £100m ‘Attacking Flop’ Curse

History shows that most high-profile attacking transfers over £100 million have had mixed or disappointing outcomes. 

Antoine Griezmann’s £105.9m move to Barcelona failed to ignite, and his replacement at Atletico, Joao Felix, also underperformed. Philippe Coutinho’s £142m transfer was another notable failure, while Jack Grealish’s £100m move to Manchester City hasn’t consistently matched expectations despite winning trophies. 

Even PSG’s record buys Neymar (£200m) and Mbappe (£165.7m) didn’t help secure the Champions League until after they left.

In contrast, Rice, Caicedo, and Fernandez, all midfielders, have been making strong impressions at Arsenal and Chelsea, showing that big-money investments in midfielders can yield more consistent returns than flashy forwards.

2. Unmatched Versatility and Tactical Adaptability

What sets these three apart is their ability to excel in multiple roles on the pitch:

According to data provided by The Athletic, Enzo Fernandez initially joined Chelsea as a deep-lying midfielder but has blossomed into an attacking force. Over four seasons, his goals per game increased from zero to 0.4, and his shots on target rose from 0.2 to 1.0 per game, reflecting his evolution from a holding role to a player more akin to Frank Lampard than Claude Makelele.

 His manager Enzo Maresca highlighted this flexibility, saying, “He can play as a No. 6 or as an attacking midfielder.”

Moises Caicedo thrives in a unique hybrid role at Chelsea, operating as a “half-back” — dropping back as a right-back defensively but pushing into central midfield when in possession.

 Maresca praised Caicedo's adaptability: “He’s played as a full-back off the ball, and on the ball he is a No. 6.” This tactical nuance was on full display during Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Ajax, where Caicedo controlled the midfield and contributed both defensively and offensively.

Declan Rice has shattered expectations at Arsenal by embracing a roving box-to-box role rather than a static holding position. 

Despite initial assumptions that he would play as a traditional No. 6, Rice’s dynamic performances have seen him frequently burst forward and create opportunities, demonstrating his all-around skill set.

3. Providing Balance Without Disrupting the Team

Unlike many £100m forwards who require teams to be built around them—sometimes to the detriment of existing balance—these midfielders offer crucial stability and flexibility. They help shield the defense with ball-winning and interception abilities, while also driving attacks forward.

For example, Rice’s ability to win tackles and intercept passes provides Arsenal with defensive security, freeing more creative teammates to focus on attacking.

 Similarly, Caicedo’s energetic pressing and ball progression helps Chelsea control games from midfield. Fernandez’s increasing offensive output while maintaining defensive responsibilities makes him a vital link between defense and attack.

4. Addressing Long-Term Strategic Needs

Both Arsenal and Chelsea faced pressing midfield uncertainties before these signings:

Arsenal needed to prepare for the eventual decline of veterans Thomas Partey (29) and Granit Xhaka (30). While both remained key players, the club aimed to build a younger core, and Rice offers longevity and quality to anchor the midfield for years.

Chelsea’s situation was even more urgent, with key midfielders like Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic aging and N’Golo Kanté plagued by injuries. Caicedo and Fernandez provide youthful energy and technical excellence, addressing these gaps and future-proofing the squad.

Both clubs recognized that relying on younger internal options wasn’t enough and opted for these big-money signings to secure midfield stability and quality.

5. Distinctive Skill Sets Suit Different Club Needs

Each player brings unique qualities that cater to their club’s tactical identity:

Declan Rice is a Premier League veteran known for his defensive discipline, ball-winning prowess, and ability to shield the backline. His consistency and experience make him ideal for Arsenal, which requires a solid anchor to build around.

Moises Caicedo combines relentless stamina, strong tackling, and excellent passing, thriving in a demanding box-to-box role that can also cover defensive positions. His injury record and work rate suit Chelsea’s high-intensity style.

Enzo Fernandez offers a blend of creative passing (with a remarkable 89.4% pass accuracy), goal-scoring threat, and solid defensive contributions. Though not as dominant defensively as Rice or Caicedo, Fernandez’s offensive creativity makes him perfect for Chelsea, which needs a midfield playmaker.