A report from Football.London has today outlined why West Ham fans should be very worried about Chelsea’s alleged interest in Declan Rice.
Sky Sports reported earlier this week that the Blues are plotting a summer bid for the Hammers youngster.
West Ham will reportedly demand at least £80 million for the 21-year-old, however, according to the Daily Star.
Rice has arguably been the Hammers’ best and most consistent player over the past two years.
The Chelsea academy graduate is so important to West Ham. He is a constant driving force in the middle of the park. And losing him would be a massive blow for the east London outfit, irrespective of how much they would gain financially.
Stats
Rice has made 100 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers.
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).
He has won 57% of his individual duals and 54% of his aerial battles (premierleague.com).
If Chelsea do come in for Rice, it might be incredibly hard for the Hammers to resist the west London outfit’s advances.
And Football.London has claimed that there are four reasons why the 21-year-old would be so keen to return to Stamford Bridge.
They suggest that Rice will be keen to prove to Chelsea that they made a mistake moving him on six years ago. It is also claimed that the West Ham ace’s friendship with Mason Mount could play a big role in Rice’s decision.
Football.London also highlight the prospect of playing Champions League football as a major factor that could influence Rice’s decision. As well as the opportunity to be part of Frank Lampard’s English nucleus at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old is under contract with the Hammers until the summer of 2024. So the east London outfit do still hold all of the cards.
But it will clearly be very hard for West Ham to resist Chelsea’s approach.
If the Blues do indeed make a move for Rice, they might just get their man.
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