PL rivals turn down Blues’ approach for coveted 23-year-old midfield star

Chelsea make a fresh approach for West Ham superstar Declan Rice

Cobham has built quite the reputation over the years for being a talent factory but probably the biggest name that ever got away from the Chelsea academy is Declan Rice. 

Now a bonafide Premier League superstar and arguably West Ham’s most important player, a Chelsea return will come at a handsome price for the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership. 

According to 90min (h/t football.london), West Ham have turned down a fresh approach from Chelsea for their current vice-captain. The Hammers have been adamant about their price tag despite Chelsea’s long-standing interest and the latest development doesn’t suggest anything different. 

The Blues have reportedly made contact with Hammers’ majority shareholder David Sullivan to explore the possibility of a deal this summer. However, the reply was clear and straightforward – Rice is not available this summer. 

Although that seems like a dead-end, never say never given the nature of the market. For Chelsea, if they really want to make a deal happen, it is possible and within their realms to make it happen. 

How can Chelsea unlock the deal?

West Ham are quite serious about Chelsea academy striker Armando Broja, who impressed while on loan at Southampton last year. The Telegraph’s Jason Burth revealed recently that Chelsea have turned down all approaches from the Hammers for the 20-year-old Albanian. 

The Blues, should they decide to go after Rice this window, could use Broja in negotiations and propose a swap deal to bring down West Ham’s asking price significantly. 90min (h/t football.london) also suggests that Ross Barkley could be included in future discussions too as part of a two-for-one exchange. 

Both Manchester clubs – City and United, also have been long-term admirers of Rice but owing to their priorities to strengthen other areas of their squad, it seems unlikely they will make a move for him this summer. 

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That leaves Chelsea with an open goal but again, the Blues have other priorities too. They need to close deals for two defenders at least, and a couple of additions to attack. 

Only then, they can focus elsewhere and even then, Chelsea will need to carefully assess whether to reach deep into their pockets this summer or wait for the next, when Rice will have only one year left on his current deal.