Transfer News: Chelsea on alert over Declan Rice situation
According to transfer news from 90min (h/t Express), Chelsea have been put on alert as Declan Rice wants to leave West Ham next season. The midfielder is a long-standing target for the Blues and is now stalling over a new deal at the club. Manchester United are also said to be interested.
Chelsea know all about the talent that is Declan Rice. After all, he was once a part of the academy before departing for West Ham. During that time, he has gone on to develop into a talented midfielder for club and country. Hence, it was not at all surprising that the Blues wanted him back.
He was initially a target during the days of Frank Lampard but interest cooled down a bit once he was sacked. However, with Chelsea wanting a midfielder this season, links to Rice were re-established. West Ham were not easily moved and slapped a £100million valuation on him that Chelsea and Manchester United refused to meet.
Now, it has come to the fore that Rice is not happy that West Ham priced him out of a move away. He is said to be considering his options and might look to leave the club next season. It is for that reason that he has refused two offers of a new deal. That has come as music to Chelsea’s ears as they prepare to go after him next season.
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Chelsea ended up signing Saul Niguez on deadline day to bolster their midfield. However, it is still a loan deal and Chelsea could opt not to sign him permanently. In that case, going after RIce would make perfect sense as he is a much younger and Premier League experienced option.