Chelsea could push their summer spending to over £250 million with the signing of West Ham United’s Declan Rice, according to The Athletic. The 21-year-old has been a long-term target for Frank Lampard and could be part of Chelsea’s resurgence in the transfer market.
During this transfer window, Chelsea have been particularly busy and are set to hit spending records. The Blues have already signed Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva, and with Declan Rice and Kai Havertz very much in demand, it is an exciting time to be a Chelsea fan.
Chelsea Reignite Interest in West Ham’s Declan Rice
Where Will Declan Rice Fit In?
Despite performing consistently well as a defensive midfielder for the Hammers, Rice could slot in at the heart of defence at Stamford Bridge. Lampard has openly stated that that Rice could be the difference in Chelsea’s pursuit of domestic glory.
However, if Chelsea’s current holding midfielders depart this window, then Rice may be seen as the perfect cover. Jorginho has been rumoured with a move to Juventus. Similarly, N’Golo Kante has been linked with a move to Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan.
Career so Far
Rice was born and raised in West London and joined Chelsea as a seven-year-old. He spent eight years at the academy before being released at the age of 14.
Within a year of his release, Rice joined West Ham. He rose through the ranks remarkably and signed his first professional contract a year later. It was during the 2016/2017 season when Rice’s career really started to take-off. He captained West Ham’s U23 side to promotion and made his first-team debut in the last game of the season.
Rice Set to be Targeted After Goalkeeper Deal is Finalised
Chelsea are confident that they can finalise a deal with Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy this week. Rumours over Mendy’s arrival has also fuelled speculation over Kepa Arrizabalaga‘s future with the club.
Chelsea’s current first-choice goalkeeper has struggled to live up to the £71.6 million price-tag that the Blues paid in 2018. His time at Chelsea could be coming to an abrupt end, and with the arrival of Mendy, he could find himself as Chelsea’s third-choice keeper.
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