Chelsea have internally discussed the possibility of signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the summer, claims Fabrizio Romano. The 24-year-old shares a special connection with the Blues, having spent the majority of his youth career with them.
Chelsea Set to Face Arsenal Competition for Declan Rice Signing
▫️ Declan Rice expected to leave in the summer, Chelsea and Arsenal discussed him internally but race open;
▪️ Man Utd to plan for Amad Diallo and Pellistri’s future in the next two months;
▫️ Asensio has to decide on new Real Madrid deal soon.
📱 More: https://t.co/7myvBLeIxo pic.twitter.com/J4XlvA1i12
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 20, 2023
Chelsea Remain Appreciative of Rice’s Quality
Even after signing Enzo Fernandez for a British transfer record in January, Chelsea are still looking at potential midfielders to sign in the summer transfer window. However, Romano adds that Arsenal have also internally discussed the prospect of signing Rice and have him on their list of midfielders to sign – as they appreciate his qualities.
Read More: Chelsea Discover Price Tag to Sign Joao Felix in Summer
However, the Blues have not discussed anything with West Ham over the possibility of a summer transfer. Romano reiterates that a lot about a potential summer transfer depends on the Hammers, regarding how much they will demand to sell the midfielder in the summer window. David Moyes had spoken about the possibility of seeing the 24-year-old leave in the summer and claimed that it would take a minimum of £150 million for any club to take him away from the London Stadium in the summer.
What Rice Feels About Potential Summer Transfer
Romano adds that the feeling around Rice’s camp is that the summer of 2023 will be the opportunity for him to try a new challenge in his career. The 24-year-old refused to sign a new contract with West Ham last year and his current deal is set to expire in June 2024. The feeling around the Englishman right now is that it’s time to go from the Hammers and ‘try a different challenge’ in his carer – further claims Romano.
Read More: Chelsea Struggling to Secure New Contract for Mason Mount
The summer window will be a big opportunity for Rice to move away from West Ham, but it’s still not known exactly how much the Hammers will demand for his sale. The 24-year-old midfielder, who has rumoured wages of £60,000 per week, is the current captain for the London side and has made 34 appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
