Chelsea target Declan Rice is could be on the move soon, says former West Ham defender
According to football.london, former West Ham defender Glen Johnson believes Chelsea target Declan Rice will make his move away from the club next summer. Declan Rice had been linked with major Premier League clubs this transfer window. Chelsea and Manchester United were keen to land the player at their respective clubs but the transfer fee was a major obstacle for both of these clubs.
A Former Chelsea Academy player, Rice was unable to make his desired switch to Stamford Bridge this summer despite being heavily linked. He has been instrumental for club and country with his performances, but an exit from the London Stadium was not fulfilled as the Hammers stamped a price of £100million on the midfielder.
West Ham stood firm and stated the player is not for sale. Rice has a long term contract with the Hammers up until 2024 that has helped the club keep a hold of him. But former West Ham defender Glen Johnson believes that the midfielder could be on a move soon. Johnson, while speaking on BettingOdds.com (h/t football.london), said:
“I would of course love him to stay. But if he wants to win trophies and fight for titles and go deep in the Champions League, clearly as we all know, he’s not going to do it at West Ham.
“I think he is ambitious so I’m sure he won’t want to flirt around the middle of the table for the rest of his career. I’m sure something will happen soon, but I hope it doesn’t!”
Chelsea, who missed out on Rice this summer, went on to sign Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid on deadline day. The Spaniard could play an important role for the club this season as Thomas Tuchel looks to get his hands on the Premier League trophy.
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However, it could be anyone’s guess whether the 22-year-old defensive midfielder will move to Chelsea or any other Premier League club next summer, or if he continues at West Ham.