Glen Johnson: Chelsea should “go all out” for Declan Rice before the end of the summer transfer window
Former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson has urged the club to “go all out” for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice. The defensive midfielder has been one of the best players in the Premier League for a few years now.
Having come up through the Blues youth setup, Rice moved to the Hammers at the age of 15. The 23-year-old has now become the captain of the Irons following Mark Noble’s retirement.
Johnson, who signed for Chelsea from West Ham in 2003, believes the Blues should do everything in their power to bring Rice back to the Bridge. Speaking to Genting Casino (h/t Metro), the former full-back fails to understand why Chelsea haven’t made a move for the midfielder.
“I think Chelsea should go all out for Rice before the deadline. They’re quite active this window and everyone knows they are interested in Rice. If they really wanted to do it they would have done it already, and I find it strange that it is taking so long.”
Rice has featured 192 times for West Ham since becoming a regular member of the Hammers squad in the 2017/18 season. The 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength. He’s now a regular for the England national side as well.
Thomas Tuchel preferred the midfield pairing of Ngolo Kante and Mateo Kovacic when they were fit last season. Other midfielders in the squad aren’t trusted by the German.
Johnson, who has won the Premier League with Chelsea, is of the opinion that Rice is West Ham’s best player. He feels it’s only a matter of time before the Hammers lose their star.
“Rice’s impact at West Ham is huge. No team wants to lose their best player. He’s the main man and is the key to everything they do but I think we all know the clock is ticking for his time being at West Ham.”
While we do boast one of the best midfielders in the world in the squad, Kante’s contract expires next summer if the Blues don’t extend it. Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek haven’t convinced fans of their quality.
It becomes crucial that we invest in the team right now. Maybe a move for Rice could be more feasible if we were to wait for a year with his contract expiring in 2024 as of now.
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The defensive midfielder has the qualities needed to become the best in the world. The Premier League has already witnessed his talent. To showcase it on the world stage, Chelsea should bring Rice back where it all started.