West Ham leader top of Chelsea shortlist with Blues midfielder on the way out
West Ham United could face increased pressure from Premier League rivals Chelsea as the Blues look to sign Hammers vice-captain Declan Rice.
Thomas Tuchel is keen to see on-loan Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez return to the Spanish capital after failing to impress at Stamford Bridge this season.
According to the Express, Rice is one of the players towards the top of Chelsea’s list of targets along with AS Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni.
An Opportunity to go Crazy
At 22 years of age, Rice is one of the most valuable and sought after players in England right now and Chelsea aren’t the only club interested in his services.
This could be a game-changing transfer if it were to happen and the Hammers should be looking to take full advantage.
The England international could easily be worth nine figures to the right buyer but with Chelsea such close rivals to the Hammers, there is an opportunity here to make them pay over the odds.
He would, of course, be a massive loss to the team and the on-field performances would take a hit as a result but this is a chance to look more long term.
£100million would be a huge financial boost to the club who could reinvest that money back into the team to make them a more all-round unit and consistent Champions League challengers.
And let’s not forget that Rice began his career at Chelsea as a kid and he has many England teammates and friends at Stamford Bridge already.
It would be a sad day when Rice leaves the London Stadium but sometimes, sacrifices have to be made for the good of the club, and the player.
In other West Ham news, the club have made an approach for a defender, and the selling club has given them an answer already.