According to Dean Jones, Chelsea can’t rule out a summer deal for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice following the club’s recent takeover.
Todd Boehly is expected to hand the west Londoners a £200 million war chest this summer as Thomas Tuchel aims to “overhaul” his squad.
This might put the Hammers at a disadvantage in their bid to keep the England international, who is described as a “big asset” despite his uncertain future at the London Stadium.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “On the back of the takeover getting the green light and talk of a £200m war chest, let’s not discount the possibility that Chelsea go back for Declan Rice.
“This Chelsea squad needs a revamp, players will leave, but Rice could be such a big asset and I’m told his name is still discussed as a potential signing.”
This is the absolute last thing the Irons require in the run-up to the transfer window. They appeared to be planning on keeping the 23-year-old for at least another season, but this has thrown a wrench in the works.
Rice obviously does not want to join Manchester United because it is scarcely a step up from life at West Ham under Erik ten Hag, who is attempting to correct the club’s current shambles.
Stamford Bridge appears to be somewhere he won’t be able to refuse, and if they come in with a huge offer for him, it’ll be difficult to refuse.
He is a Londoner who has previously played for Chelsea and may like to return to the club to prove himself after failing to make the grade as a youth.
As much as the Hammers would like to keep their top player, trading him while he is still under contract would be a wise decision.
They could make a lot of money off Tuchel’s side, which is now under new ownership, but he could leave for free next year, which would be a big injustice. The Irons must make a major decision.
