West Ham United have reportedly turned down a fresh approach from Chelsea for the signing of midfielder Declan Rice.
According to 90 Min, Chelsea have made a fresh approach to try and lure Declan Rice from West Ham United in the ongoing transfer window. However, the Hammers have dismissed the Blues’ enquiry as they do not intend to lose their star man.
Rice’s future has been a topic of much discussion this summer. The 23-year-old has evolved into one of the best central midfielders in England and enjoyed another fine campaign in 2021/22 as West Ham finished seventh in the Premier League and made it to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
Rice, though, is keen on challenging for and winning trophies, something that is unlikely to happen at West Ham United. As a result, the England international has already turned down several offers of a new contract from the east London club. Despite that, the Hammers are not going to sell Rice this summer, with David Moyes planning to build his team around him.
However, that has not stopped Chelsea from making a fresh approach for Rice this summer. The west London giants are long-term admirers of the 23-year-old midfielder and have made multiple failed attempts to land him in the recent past. And despite new ownership in place, the interest in their former academy prospect has not faded.
Indeed, as per the report, Chelsea made contact with West Ham United’s majority shareholder David Sullivan at the request of their new owner and temporary sporting director Todd Boehly. However, the Blues have been rebuffed in their attempts by their London rivals, as they maintain the stance that Rice is not for sale unless his £150 million valuation is met.
But, Chelsea do not plan to throw in the towel as of yet. As per the report, the Blues plan to test the waters again by offering players in exchange as part of the deal for Rice. Young striker Armando Broja, who is a target for West Ham United, and Ross Barkley, a former protege of Moyes, could be offered as makeweights, along with a significant sum in cash as part of a potential player-exchange arrangement.
However, that is unlikely to make West Ham reconsider their stance as they have decided not to sell Rice this summer. So, Chelsea will likely have to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield, as N’Golo Kante and Jorginho enter the final year of their respective contracts with the club in less than a week.
