Chelsea have been interested in signing midfielder Declan Rice.
According to The Telegraph (Subscription Required) [h/t Eurosport], Chelsea transfer target, Declan Rice, is unhappy with the price tag West Ham United have placed on his head.
Apart from the £100million valuation, which is believed to have put off potential suitors in Chelsea and Manchester United, the 22-year-old enforcer is also less than happy with the Hammers’ transfer activity this summer.
A lack of business during the summer window could hamper the club’s chances to better their 6th-placed finish last season. Rice, who represented England at the 2020 UEFA Euro, would have gotten Champions League football at Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford this season.
But as things stand, it seems like the former Chelsea youth academy player would be playing in the UEFA Europa League. He has refused to sign a new contract with David Moyes’ side as of now.
Rice’s current deal expires in 2024, which puts West Ham under no real pressure to sell him right now. But things could get heated next summer when his contract has just two years remaining.
His importance to the Hammers’ squad is there for all to see. He has been a regular in their midfield alongside Tomas Soucek, and has impressed to the extent that Gareth Southgate picked him in his Three Lions squad this summer.
But Chelsea can also use a versatile player like him. Just like Trevoh Chalobah, the 22-year-old defender currently making waves under Thomas Tuchel, Rice can play in defensive midfield as well as in defence.
This would offer the Blues a useful option in their squad, especially in the near future if they ever have to replace a current first-team player in those positions.
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