Frank Leboeuf urges Chelsea to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice. (imago Images)
Glen Johnson believes Declan Rice should sign with Chelsea despite the club’s doubts about their chances of making the Champions League for next season.
One of the major stories surrounding the summer transfer window will involve Rice’s future. Only one year will be left on the West Ham star’s contract at the London Stadium (Transfermarkt), and with the Hammers having a difficult season in the Premier League, he will need to make a significant choice.
The 24-year-old, who is close friends with Mason Mount and used to be a member of the Blues’ youth system. However, with the latter’s future also in doubt, it could work our either way for the Blues.
Rice’s current West Ham contract has just one year left, so Hammers manager David Moyes has regularly said that the midfielder’s price tag is £100 million. But, with another London club surfacing as a potential destination recently, Chelsea faces stiff competition for Rice’s services. Arsenal are expected to make their move in the upcoming summer transfer period.
Given Chelsea’s current situation and Arsenal’s rise as Premier League title contenders this season, Rice, a lifelong Blue, would have a challenging choice to make if both teams fought for his acquisition. Yet, Johnson claims that the 24-year-old should sign for Chelsea despite their dismal season because he could turn them back into a solid team, as he said:
“I think Chelsea would be a really good fit for him. It may sound silly at the moment when the club is tenth in the league, but they won’t be there for very long.”
The arrival of the England international, who has truly emerged as one of Europe’s top midfielders, would immensely benefit the West Londoners. Deploying him alongside Enzo Fernandez should give us the base in midfield to build upon for the future.
Our midfield will be overpowering with him and Enzo Fernandez operating from the middle of the park. They might perfectly complement one another, and The Blues would greatly profit from their vast midfield experience.
However, England International will be the one to make the choice, and regardless of his price, we will be able to sign with our financial power, given he is not an ordinary midfielder.
Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…
Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…
In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…
Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…