Spanish media outlet AS have claimed that Chelsea could be prepared to sell N’Golo Kante to Real Madrid for £71 million. And if that deal does go through, it would be terrible news for West Ham regarding their chances of keeping hold of Declan Rice this summer.
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Blues boss Frank Lampard wants to bring the 21-year-old Hammers ace to Stamford Bridge this summer (Sky Sports).
David Moyes will undoubtedly want to keep Rice at the London Stadium.
But West Ham might find it hard to resist if any club meets their £80 million valuation of the seven capped England international (Daily Star).
If Chelsea do move Kante on, there will be a gaping hole in their defensive midfield department. And Rice would be the ideal candidate to replace the French World Cup winner.
The Hammers starlet has been one of the most consistent players at the London Stadium over the past two years, if not the most consistent.
Stats
Rice has made 100 appearances for the Hammers, racking up two goals and three assists in the process (Transfermarkt).
In 90 Premier League appearances for West Ham, the seven-capped England international has racked up 221 tackles, 140 interceptions, 165 clearances and 610 ball recoveries (premierleague.com).
The 21-year-old ace would be a great signing for Chelsea. He can play in defensive midfield or at centre-back.
If the Blues come knocking with big money, West Ham could find themselves in a tough spot.
And if Kante leaves west London for Real Madrid, the likelihood of that happening would increase drastically.
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