Chelsea are set to rekindle their interest in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in January and are keeping a close eye on his contract negotiations with the Hammers.
Rice was one of Chelsea’s top targets during the summer transfer window, but with the Blues spending more than £200m to strengthen other areas of the squad, they were extra keen to bid for the 21-year-old. Couldn’t find the funds, which was worth it. Around £80m.
Kai Huertz and Timo Werner were 2 of several expensive signings / Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
As The Athletic’s Simon Johnson notes, Chelsea have made deals to sell two first-team players permanently in order to reinvest the money in Rice, but both deals in the summer window. finally finished and forced the Blues to chase them. On hold
Frank Lampard is set to find the money to sign Rice in the January transfer window, but it could all come down to whether the England international accepts West Ham’s invitation to renew his contract. .
Rice has impressed for the Hammers this season, playing every Premier League minute so far to help David Moyes’ side navigate an undoubtedly difficult fixture schedule to sit 14th in the opening weeks of the season. And West Ham are keen to reward him. to pay the increase.
Rice has been crucial to West Ham / Poole / Getty Images
Chelsea know it won’t be easy to sign Rice in January, but Stamford Bridge are confident they can convince the young midfielder to make a move across London, although their ability to offer an acceptable transfer fee is unlikely. It may come down to whether Chelsea offload some fringe players first.
In terms of potential sales, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Antonio Rüdiger, Marcos Alonso and Emerson will all likely find themselves in the gossip column, while Chelsea will do everything they can to get Danny Drinkwater off the books.
Selling a handful of these players would make it easier to meet West Ham’s asking price, and Lampard is prepared to spend big on Rice as he sees the 21-year-old as a core part of his starting line-up. If a deal can be agreed upon.
Lampard has plans for both Kante and Rice / Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
Lampard wants Rice at the heart of his midfield because N’Golo Kanté, who impressed there against Burnley, is not seen as a long-term option in that position.
Instead, the boss may want to move Kante to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rice, or perhaps move him further forward in a 4-3-3 to get the most out of his search-and-destroy style. can be picked up Play.
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