Transfer News: Chelsea face competition from Premier League rivals for West Ham star Declan Rice in the summer
According to The Telegraph (Subscription Required), Chelsea could be set for a transfer battle in the summer to secure the services of West Ham star Declan Rice, who has been targeted by many of the Blues’ rivals in the Premier League.
A former Cobham product, Rice moved to West Ham after being released by Chelsea at the youth level. The Englishman has not looked back since, becoming an integral part of the Hammers team and dropping performances that have made him an untouchable in the squad.
Now, it looks like his former club is back to get the player once again in the summer, but will face competition in the form of Manchester United and Manchester City for the player’s signature. The fact that there are English heavyweights in the market looking to get Rice as their own proves just how good he has been at West Ham.
Chelsea had a very quiet winter transfer window last month, not bringing in any notable names despite suffering from multiple injuries and players ruled out due to Covid. It looks like they could be preparing for a big summer instead, with Rice high on their transfer wishlist at the end of the season.
Chelsea reunion for Rice?
Having swapped homes for the London Stadium after growing up in Chelsea’s academy, Rice seems to have gotten the attention of his former club- who would certainly be regretting letting him leave in the past. The England international would seal a sensational return to Stamford Bridge next season if the Blues manage to snap him up in the summer.
Similar to their London rivals, West Ham have also not indulged in any transfer activity in January. However, their idleness last month has apparently signalled to their rivals that Rice could be prised away from them at the end of the season.
However, any approach to sign Rice would see interested clubs having to splash around £100m, with West Ham going to great lengths to keep hold of their biggest attraction. The 23-year-old is a midfield mainstay in David Moyes’ side and has also proven to be a leader, with the player standing in as captain for the ageing Mark Noble.
Chelsea’s interest in signing the West Ham man could also be down to their own midfield stars not growing any younger, with senior players Jorginho and N’Golo Kante crossing 30 themselves. Their time could be up at Stamford Bridge in the future, given their ageing bodies, and we will need to plan ahead for the future. Not to mention, Saul Niguez isn’t a permanent Chelsea player and as of now, is set to return to Spain after the end of his loan spell.
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Rice is an adept defensive midfielder who can double up as a centre-back if needed. He showed at the 2020 UEFA Euros how his diligence and solidity in midfield can allow his partner to venture forward in attack. Seeing something similar at Stamford Bridge is definitely an enticing prospect for our fans.
Boasting several years of Premier League and international experience despite only being 23, Rice will be one midfielder big English clubs could be chasing in the summer as a top midfield recruit. With Chelsea aiming for more glory next season, the former Cobham midfielder may be the one to help them achieve success.