“Would suit the club”: Chelsea boss Tuchel urged to sign 22-year-old star from rivals by ex-PL ace

Glen Johnson urges Chelsea to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United

Speaking to BettingOdds.com (h/t Metro), former Chelsea player Glen Johnson suggested that Thomas Tuchel should bring West Ham United’s Declan Rice to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been linked with the 22-year-old midfielder for a while. But the Hammers are reluctant to sell him, and value him at an amount of around £80million.

The Blues, after selling a number of players, are finally working towards getting players in. Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi, and Olivier Giroud are just some of the players sold by the club this summer.

Chelsea have wanted to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United.
Chelsea have wanted to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United. (imago Images)

And it seems that they are using the funds generated from there to bring in a new face. A £97.5million fee has been agreed to sign Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan, which is by no means a small monetary figure.

Rice at Chelsea?

But Johnson, who played for Chelsea, Liverpool, and Portsmouth in his heyday, wants Thomas Tuchel to add Rice to his midfield because of what the former Blues academy player would bring to the team.

“I think they can do with him because of the legs. He’s got a lot of energy, he charges around and he’s super passionate so I think he would suit the club.”

Glen Johnson during his time at Liverpool.
Glen Johnson during his time at Liverpool. (imago Images)

Johnson also plied his trade at Boleyn Ground as they came through their youth academy. But citing his own example, he believes that Rice wouldn’t have to worry about West Ham fans turning sour towards him if he leaves the right way.

“As long as he leaves West Ham on good terms then they will still love him. I left West Ham on the right terms and my relationship with the Hammers fans is very good. I think he would suit this current Chelsea team. Imagine the legs of him and N’Golo Kante! I’d like to see that for sure.”

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If Chelsea can afford to bring him in this summer, Rice would undoubtedly be a solid addition. But even if they don’t, the Blues have a strong squad and with the addition of Lukaku, can see themselves as title challengers- with or without Rice.