Chelsea are reportedly still interested in re-signing former academy starlet Declan Rice, who continues to impress at West Ham United.

According to 90 min, Premier League giants Chelsea are yet to give up any interest they had in securing the services of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

The 23-year-old is one of the finest young midfielders in the Premier League and has established himself as a regular for club and country. Rice’s stock continues to rise following his performances under David Moyes, and Chelsea are well aware of his abilities.

Rice came through the ranks at Chelsea, playing for their youth sides before being released by the club at the age of 14. Claims of him being physically incapable of coping with the English game have proven unfounded as he continues to make a difference for the Hammers.

The Blues have been heavily linked with the midfielder in the last 18 months. The arrival of Todd Boehly has changed little, with Chelsea still interested. The American businessman made overtures last summer to sign the 23-year-old but Chelsea were denied by West Ham.

 Embed from Getty Images

There is no shortage of suitors, with several other clubs, such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United also in the fray. Chelsea appear unfazed by any of it and are keen to bring in an infusion of youth. A proven player in the Premier League, Rice is someone who can not just fit in well at Cobham but also perform from the off. Not requiring a bedding-in period is a major advantage for a side that is in need of a rebuild.

West Ham value Rice at a mammoth £120 million, a fee that, if paid, will make him Chelsea’s record signing. The 23-year-old English international has two years left on his current deal at the London Stadium and is likely to be on the move next summer.

With Jorginho and N’Golo Kante’s deals expiring at the end of the current campaign, Chelsea cannot afford to leave the position unaddressed next summer. Landing the West Ham captain will future-proof their options in the middle of the park and get them a reliable performer for the decade to come.

One added bonus Chelsea could have in the transfer race is Rice’s relationship with Mason Mount. The English internationals are close friends and were teammates at the youth level at Chelsea and for the national side. The opportunity to reprise that role at Stamford Bridge, this time at the senior level could prove tempting for the 23-year-old.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Recommended

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.