Anthony Onifade

Thu 15 June 2023 15:40, UK

David Moyes prefers Declan Rice to join Chelsea in a potential player-plus-cash deal which could see Conor Gallagher join West Ham United, according to The Sun.

Rice is expected to leave the club this summer with Arsenal leading the race for his signature and the Gunners had a formal first bid rejected [Sky Sports, 15 June] but are expected to return with another in the coming days.

With Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City also in the frame for Rice’s signature, Moyes would prefer it if he joined Chelsea so that “fantastic” box-to-box midfielder Gallagher can be used as part of any deal, as revealed by The Sun [15 June].

However, Rice has made it clear that he is not interested in a return to the club who released him at the age of 14, and is said to prefer the ongoing project at Arsenal.

Fans don’t want London move

It’s pretty safe to say that the West Ham United faithful would prefer it if Rice didn’t join any of their capital neighbours this summer as he’d considerably improve both clubs if he were to join them.

However, Moyes’ preference for Chelsea makes perfect sense seeing as the Hammers are interested in Gallagher as they seek to overhaul the midfield after Rice’s departure.

Despite, the 23-year-old’s difficult campaign at Chelsea this season, Gallagher still represents an attractive proposition for several Premier League as reported by talkSPORT.

The England international was absolutely superb during his loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he notched eight goals and three assists from 34 Premier League games.

This season, he’s managed three goals and an assist despite Chelsea’s tumultuous campaign highlighting his ability to still contribute in the final third, despite his club’s difficulties.

It’s a long time since West Ham United possessed a true-goalscoring midfielder or a player with the ability to work his magic between both boxes and Gallagher represents the ideal solution to strengthen the position.