Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of West Ham United‘s Declan Rice after the England midfielder reportedly rejected two contract offers from the Hammers.
Rice, a boyhood Chelsea supporter who left the club’s academy in 2014, has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge for the past couple of seasons.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is looking to build on his side’s Champions League success last season and has identified Rice as one of his top targets, according to the Guardian.
The 22-year-old holding midfielder was instrumental in West Ham’s sixth-place finish last season. His displays also earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
West Ham, however, will not let Rice go for cheap. He is valued at around £100million and still has three years left on his current deal.
Declan Rice to Chelsea – Missing piece of the jigsaw?
A move to Chelsea would be a massive step up for Rice, offering him the chance to play Champions League football consistently. With the Blues offloading Billy Gilmour to Norwich City on loan, a spot in Chelsea’s midfield has freed up. Rice will also add a whole new dimension to the London club’s midfield.
Tuchel’s current midfield options consist of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic. While Kante is among the best at closing down spaces, making interceptions and regaining possession, Jorginho is a metronomic passer. Kovacic, meanwhile, possesses great close control and can dribble out of tight spaces under pressure.
Rice, on the other hand, will offer a much more physical presence in midfield. Last season, he won 61.8% of his aerial duels in the Premier League. He is also technically sound and comfortable in possession. While the 22-year-was prefers sitting deep and guarding the backline, he is also capable of playing as a makeshift centre-half.
Rice has only ever managed five goals and four assists in over 130 league games for West Ham. But under Tuchel, he will be provided plenty more license to drive forward, thereby increasing his attacking output.
With Chelsea looking to bridge the gap to Manchester City this summer, Rice’s arrival could make them genuine title contenders.