Frank Leboeuf urges Chelsea to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice. (imago Images)
According to transfer news from Eurosport (h/t Express), Chelsea have three names lined up as backups after facing resistance in the pursuit of Declan Rice. Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham are the first two options. The third would be to sign Saul Niguez on a permanent deal.
Chelsea have quite a history with Rice. He left the academy at a young age and went on to flourish at West Ham. He is now one of the best emerging names in midfield for club and country. Hence, it was no surprise that Chelsea were linked with a move for him. Actually, Chelsea have been after him ever since Franck Lampard was in charge.
The Blues did try to get a deal done but West Ham’s £100m valuation meant that it was not possible. While he is still of interest, Chelsea are preparing contingency plans with three names as backups. The first one could actually not be as tough as the others as it would require converting Saul’s loan into a permanent deal should he fare well this season.
The second name on Chelsea’s list is Borussia Dortmund sensation, Jude Bellingham. The midfielder has lit up the side with his performances and is the subject of interest from a host of Premier League clubs. Lastly, Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni could also be on the radar if Rice cannot be signed.
Efforts might be made again for Rice. However, the three alternatives are also not too shabby. Chelsea could need to revamp the midfield in a year or so and these names can be good long term solutions for Thomas Tuchel.
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