Former Premier League star believes Chelsea target is ready to take the next step in his evolution

William Gallas believes Chelsea target Declan Rice needs to “go to another level”

Speaking to Genting Casino (h/t Football.London), William Gallas said that he does not believe Chelsea target Declan Rice is worth £100m and believes he needs to go to another club.

The Frenchman said this in agreement with Roy Keane, who last week said that Rice has not done enough this season to warrant a move away from West Ham United.

The England international, who was a young player at Chelsea before moving to West Ham, has been linked with the Blues and Arsenal. Recent reports suggest that the Gunners could have the upper hand in this race.

Here’s what Gallas said about the 24-year-old and what he needs to do (h/t Football.London):

“He is right [Keane], he’s not worth £100 million! That is not his value yet, but it goes back to what I was saying earlier about players who want to get to the top and how they have to be consistent.

“He plays for West Ham and he has had a few great seasons, but he has to go to another level and when you play for the big clubs it is completely different. You are around players who are different, they are at your level or maybe even better. You have to adapt.”

Granted that Rice has had an underwhelming season, but that does not take away from how good he has been in the last 24 months. Every young player goes through a period of lull, especially when he has played a lot of football.

The 24-year-old has played a lot of games for England, which includes representing them in Euros in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022. So, the drop-off in form can be expected.

The price tag put on him is not his mistake, isn’t it? That tag is slapped by West Ham because they value him that much keeping the current market situation in mind.

Rice is a fantastic midfield player who can do everything from passing the ball, covering the ground at a rapid pace, being physically dominant and controlling the tempo of games. He can progress with the ball as well to alleviate defensive pressure on the team.

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Although Chelsea spent big money in getting Enzo Fernandez in January, they could do by adding Rice to the midfield. Irrespective of his price tag, the Blues should try their best to sign him in the summer.