Chelsea earmark Jude Bellingham as Declan Rice alternative
According to Eurosport (h/t The Metro), Chelsea have earmarked Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham as an alternative to Declan Rice.
Blues boss Frank Lampard was backed to the hilt in the summer transfer window. He was keen to add Rice to his squad but a deal did not materialize.
With the Hammers standing firm on their £70million valuation of the player, the Blues may be ready to look elsewhere.
In their sight is Borussia Dortmund sensation, Jude Bellingham. The youngster moved to the German giants this summer and has immediately shown what the hype is all about.
According to the report, this has garnered the attention of Chelsea. The Blues will monitor the player’s progress and see him as an alternative to Rice.
Bellingham is highly rated was linked with a number of the continent’s elite clubs in the summer. The former Birmingham City talent rejected advances from Manchester United seeking regular playing time at Dortmund.
Lampard has a high opinion of Rice. The Blues hierarchy, however, believes the club can do without him for the moment.
The report goes on to state that Chelsea could make a move for Bellingham in 2022. That is considering they can manage until then with N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman is just 29 and it is fair to assume we will manage to do just that.
A versatile player who can operate as a number 6 and a number 8, Bellingham’s interoperability appeals to the Blues. Just 17 years old, he also made his debut for England earlier this month.
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Bellingham is definitely a talented player. He has all the trademarks for being a special talent and could thrive at Dortmund.
Whether we will eventually move for him remains to be seen.