According to Florian Plettenberg from Sky Sports, Chelsea is still very much in the race and interested in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice. It appears that the England international has decided his future lies away from the London Stadium, with Todd Boehly ready to pounce.
Chelsea Remain Interested in Declan Rice
News #Rice: Chelsea is definitely in the race and highly interested – confirmed! He’s one of the top candidates in order to strengthen the defensive midfield.
Contract until 2024. Therefore good chances to sign him this summer. #CFC @SkySportDE 🏴 pic.twitter.com/LOnofTHAvx
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 16, 2023
Rice Rejects All Offers From West Ham
The England international joined the Blues at the age of seven but was released at 14, having failed to make the grade at Stamford Bridge. Since his emergence in East London, and with the England national team, Rice’s reputation has risen considerably, and he has been heavily linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge since Frank Lampard was in the Chelsea hot seat.
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West Ham have previously offered the Englishman a new contract worth £200,000 per week, with his current deal set to run out in 2024. The new deal would make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history – but the 23-year-old has rejected all offers thus far, and it seems inevitable that he will leave the club to fulfil his ambition of playing Champions League football.
Rice Wants to Play in the Champions League
According to The Athletic, Declan Rice has been vocal about his desire to play at the highest level: “One hundred per cent, I want to play in the Champions League.” Despite Chelsea’s struggles this season, it appears they will be competitive next season, even if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Stamford Bridge club hold a special place in Rice’s heart, having supported the club and played for their academy.
His career has gone from strength to strength, with him excelling on the international stage, and being an integral part of David Moyes’s plans at West Ham.
Read More: Chelsea Interested in Signing Newcastle United Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes
The Chelsea board have proven this season they are not worried about spending money, and signing Rice, and pairing him in midfield with Enzo Fernandez, would give Chelsea a fearsome midfield. He was previously praised as “impressive” by then Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. The Englishman would also bring leadership to a Chelsea side that has lacked it at various stages this season.
