New update on Declan Rice’s West Ham situation emerges
Declan Rice is reportedly “very open” to a move from West Ham to Chelsea this summer, according to a report from EuroSport.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after he rejected a new contract at the London Stadium [Guardian]. The report claims that because Rice grew up in Chelsea’s academy, “it is understood” that he would be keen to return and the Blues would have to offer him £200,000 per week.
The report also claims that Rice, along with Harry Kane and Jack Grealish, is “more hungry ” for silverware after going so close with England during the Euros. This could be a huge problem for the Hammers, who are already seeing one player re-join a former club as Felipe Anderson edges towards joining Lazio [Sky Sports].
Rice to leave?
Ultimately, Rice is a sublime player and deserves to be playing at the top level. However, the Hammers have a price tag, and until that is matched, Rice won’t be going anywhere.
Chelsea have been linked for a long time, and of course, he is keen to go back because they are the European champions, and his best friend Mason Mount is also there [the Mirror].
However, you would be surprised if Rice didn’t act professionally while this talk is ongoing.
The Hammers have two clear choices, they either hand Rice a new contract and hand him the wages that he probably deserves, or they sell him for a huge amount of money and reinvest that into David Moyes’ squad.
The best thing would be to give Rice a new contract, but if Chelsea make a massive bid, can you see David Sullivan or David Gold rejecting £80m?
Probably not, so now we wait and see what Chelsea do.
In other West Ham news, ExWHUemployee has revealed why one West Ham star missed the latest round of pre-season games.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.