Report: Chelsea could offer Tammy Abraham to sign Declan Rice from West Ham
Chelsea have reportedly reignited their chase for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and could offer Tammy Abraham as part of the deal.
According to Matt Law of The Daily Telegraph, Chelsea have revived their interest in signing Rice this summer as manager Thomas Tuchel is understood to be an admirer of the player.
The report states that Abraham, who has been frozen out by the German manager, could be used as a sweetener to tempt West Ham to part ways with their prized asset.
Chelsea were keen on signing their former player last summer as well but were put off by Hammers’ £70m asking rate.
With the price now likely to have risen to £90m, the Blues are exploring every avenue possible to fund what would be their biggest signing of the summer.
The Hammers are reluctant to let go of Rice, but an offer close to their valuation could tempt David Sullivan and co. to cash in on the England international.
Manchester City and Manchester United are both keen on the player, but it’s understood he has his heart set on a move back to his former side.
Extremely tempting
We’ve come to terms with the fact that sooner or later we will be parting ways with Rice, so getting a decent amount of cash along with a striker that would walk into our first-team is definitely an avenue worth considering.
Moyes has admitted to be an admirer of Abraham but thought he would be too expensive for the club. However, with him being used in the Rice transfer, he would virtually join on a free transfer.
Abraham has proven himself on the Premier League stage and could be a terrifying prospect when given the opportunity to start week in and week out.
Speaking about him on talkSPORT, Trevor Sinclair labelled Abraham as an ‘elite’ forward.
He’s shown himself to be someone willing to run the hard yards for his manager and would be a joy to work with should Moyes and the club sanction this deal.
In other West Ham news, Hammers chief makes exciting announcement ahead of clash v Southampton
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