West Ham United: Chelsea transfer news as £180m double push for Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo on cards
Chelsea are considering a £180m double raid for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, according to 90min.
The England international played a major role in the Irons winning 2-1 against Fiorentina at the Eden Arena to secure their first major trophy since 1980.
However, the England international’s time at the London Stadium appears to be at its end beyond the summer with the Hammers resigned to losing him. With his contract expiring next year, many expect him to depart with Arsenal and Bayern Munich emerging as frontrunners for his signature.
And according to 90Min [8 June], West London giants Chelsea are considering a double raid for both Rice and Caicedo this summer as new boss Mauricio Pochettinho looks to reshape his midfield with both N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek heading out of Stamford Bridge this summer.
Arsenal favourites
If there is one club in the Premier League capable of spending £180m on two players this summer, it is certainly Chelsea and it won’t be a surprise to see West Ham United brace themselves for a big-money approach from their London rivals.
However, despite Rice’s links to Stamford Bridge, it does appear that Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature given the rumours vastly emerging that the England international is excited by Mikel Arteta’s project at the Emirates Stadium.
Also, it is evidently clear that Rice is desperate for Champions League football next season, even despite helping West Ham United win their major honour since 1980 after Wednesday’s historic triumph over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.
Chelsea won’t be in any European competition next season which may well mean that Rice would be more likely to stay at the London Stadium than join his former club, with the Irons now playing Europa League football next season.
However, Arsenal are preparing a big-money move in the coming days and at this stage, it will be a huge surprise not to see Rice in a Gunners shirt when the new campaign kicks off again in August.
West Ham United must ensure they bleed potential suitors dry of funds if Rice is to depart.