Chelsea will pursue Jude Bellingham if they fail to land Declan Rice
According to the Express, Chelsea will pursue Jude Bellingham if they fail to land West Ham star Declan Rice.
The Blues have been linked with a move for the Hammers star for some time now. While he too is keen to return to the Bridge, a deal in January is unlikely.
Rice has been a major contributor to West Ham’s good start to the season. He has taken his game up a notch and looks to be every bit a top-class player.
With Rice’s contract running until 2024, West Ham holds the aces when it comes to negotiations. Despite his willingness to move, Rice will not look to force through a transfer. The 21-year-old is keen to repay the Hammers for the trust they put in him. (h/t Mirror)
Chelsea, meanwhile, appears to be willing to move on if a deal cannot be reached. They are keeping a keen eye on Jude Bellingham’s progress at Borussia Dortmund.
The 17-year-old moved to Germany this past summer from Birmingham City. He has managed to garner regular playtime for the German giants. He has made 21 appearances scoring one goal and assisting three more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
According to the report, Chelsea are waiting for Bellingham to further improve in the Bundesliga before making their move. The club could ideally move for Bellingham in 2022. By then, he will have had two seasons in the German top flight.
The Blues are also willing to fast track their move if the efforts to land Rice falls flat. What ultimately happens will have to be seen.
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The wait and watch approach for Bellingham is not without its risks. The better the player performs, the more other teams will enter the fray.
However, it is good to know that the club isn’t keen to put all their eggs in one basket.
