Long-term Chelsea transfer target declines new contract; waiting for offer from UCL clubs

Transfer News: Declan Rice declines new contract, waiting for Chelsea offer

According to transfer news from Football.london, Declan Rice is waiting to see if Chelsea or any other UCL club come in with an offer. The midfielder has declined two contract offers from West Ham amid interest from the Blues as well as Manchester United.

Chelsea know Declan Rice from his academy days. However, he chose to leave for West Ham in order to continue his development. During his spell with the Hammers, he has quietly gone about establishing himself as one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in the league and for England as well.

It is understood that the former academy star is Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice midfield target for the summer transfer window. Nonetheless, West Ham value their prized asset at around £100m to ward off any potential suitors.

However, it would seem that Rice has given Chelsea something to think about after refusing two contract offers from West Ham. His current deal ends in 2024 with an option of another year. The England midfielder is keen on waiting to see how the interest from Chelsea and other clubs develop given that he can get Champions League football there.

More Chelsea News:

• Transfer News: Chelsea learn price tag for Kingsley Coman
• Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour set for Norwich medical
• Transfer News: Blow for Chelsea as Achraf Hakimi’s agent reveals PSG move

It would be wise to freshen up the midfield before the new season and add some much-need depth and quality to it. At just 22 years of age, Rice can be a huge long-term transfer acquisition for Chelsea. With the midfielder himself seemingly keen on a move away, Chelsea would be wise to follow up on that.