Chelsea have a long-standing interest in signing midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham United. But, if the Evening Standard is to be believed then the Blues might not be able to bring him on board.
The report claims: “Chelsea are planning to build on their Champions League success by spending heavily in the transfer market this summer.
“Rice is a long-term target, but there is a growing belief the England international will stay at West Ham, despite interest from Manchester United as well.”
Declan Rice started his youth career with Chelsea before joining the West Ham United academy in 2013. And over the past one and a half years, the Blues have been desperate to bring him back to the club.
After Frank Lampard’s exit, everyone thought Chelsea’s interest in Declan Rice will cool down but even Tuchel has earmarked the midfielder as one his potential targets.
West Ham have been very clear that they do wish to cash in on him this summer and manager David Moyes is confident of holding onto him, now that the club have entered into Europe,
“I don’t think David Sullivan, David Gold or myself have any intention of losing Declan Rice,” Moyes said in May.
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“We have just qualified for Europe, I think it is a brilliant achievement and Declan is a big part of that and we want him to be a big part of what we do next year as well.”
Declan Rice is valued at £58 million, according to TransferMarkt and has three years left on his current deal which is why the Hammers have reportedly put an £80-90 million price tag on him.
Now, money will not be a big issue for Chelsea but they have other transfer priorities as well and maybe, the club has decided to focus on those instead of signing a midfielder, an area where they have some pretty great players.
We will have to wait and see if Chelsea back out from this or not but either way West Ham United will not be able to rest easy since Manchester United still hold a significant interest in the England international.
