He is not just being used as backup player, i'm sure with his potential versatility playing in multiple position (The kind player Pep wants for his player). He will have enough game time for us.
I also said time and time again price tag will not be a problem for us as seen by Grealish case, if Pep wants him then board makes sure they will get for him even at 100m because board rarely disagree with Pep wish.
The question is, will he really want to join us?
I understand your theory, but who of our current midfield, would we want to have less game time, to give Rice the opportunity? Fernandinho and Gundogan are the obvious choices, but they have only had twenty league starts between both of them currently. It would be different if someone left, but if that was only Ferna, I would preder KDB, Rodri, Bernardo to start over Rice.
I know that we could afford his fee, but I believe that would probably be north of 100 mill, that is mainly the UK tax that we always inherit. I believe there may be more affordable "quality" alternatives out there, but I wouldn't know who is the best option.
Someone mentioned that his introduction to the rags would have them competing, but that has been said so many times about their previous signings, I think it would need a complete clear-out top to bottom, to have them competing again. I would actually prefer them to sign him over Chelsea, just because it appears that they have a handy knack of turning half decent footballers, into under achievers, ala Sanchez, Pogba, Maguire, Sancho, Beek, Fred, plus many more I have forgotten about.