David Ornstein claims Rice’s move from West Ham to Chelsea is ‘case of when’
Athletic journalist David Ornstein has claimed that it is only a matter of time before Declan Rice moves from West Ham to Chelsea.
Rice is a known target of Frank Lampard’s side and he was tipped to move to Stamford Bridge throughout last summer.
Ornstein claims that it is a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ in the case of Rice leaving the Hammers.
Speaking in The Athletic’s transfer mailbag, Ornstein said, “I’ve heard from several good contacts that Rice to Chelsea is starting to feel a case of “when” rather than “if”.
“Simon [Johnson (Atheltic journalist)] tells me Rice remains Chelsea’s one real target for January but that there is only a remote chance of a deal materialising.
“Lampard needs to sell if he is going to buy and even if Chelsea were to offer the level of money Rice is valued at, West Ham will probably reject it as his stock and importance to them continues to rise.”
If Rice is to leave West Ham then one thing is for sure, it will take a hefty fee to prize the 21-year-old way from the London Stadium.
Chelsea are one of the few clubs who could probably sanction a move for Rice but as Ornstein claims, the Blues will have to sell before they can move for the midfielder.
Rice’s form this season has been brilliant and if anything his stock, and price tag, will be increasing week on week.
The good news for Hammers fans is that it looks unlikely that Chelsea will move for Rice next month.
This means the Irons faithful can enjoy another few months of Rice turning out in the famous colours of West Ham United.
The best parting gift that Rice could leave the fans would be the delivery of European football and that certainly isn’t out of the question if you look at the Hammers’ form.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes has explained how his side came close to making a move for Danny Welbeck last summer.