Report – London rival plots summer swoop for West Ham big name
Chelsea are interested in signing West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, according to Sky Sports News.
It is understood that the Blues are eager to strengthen their defensive midfield, and are keen admirers of the 21-year-old, who they let go as a youth player.
The report makes reference to Rice’s close friendship with current Chelsea star Mason Mount, and suggests that the pair’s impressive displays together for England could be a factor in tempting the club to re-sign the Hammer.
It is also stated, however, that Rice’s current contract in East London would make any potential move for the midfielder an expensive one.
Rice still has four years left to run on his deal with the Hammers, plus the option of a further year’s extension.
Would this be a good deal for the Hammers?
Absolutely not.
Selling Rice would be a hammer blow for the club, and replacing him would be no easy task.
So far this season he has averaged a pass completion rate of 90%, as well as a total action success rate of 72% and 5.29 interceptions per game, as per Wyscout.
As a point of reference, Mark Noble has averaged 83.9%, 68.1%, and 2.7 in those areas respectively this season, as per Wyscout.
Rice sometimes doesn’t get the credit he deserves because his work goes under the radar so much, but without his work in the centre of the park, those players who catch the eye a little more would not be able to flourish as much.
As such, the Hammers have to do all they can to hang on to their underrated star asset.
In other West Ham news, Moyes to build team around unexpected Hammers trio next season.