Chelsea are going all out in the transfer window to bolster their squad to revive the ailing season under new manager Graham Potter. However, the Blues are also striding ahead of others to close a deal for potential stars who would have attracted a fierce competition from other clubs as well. One of those instances is the club sealing a £63m move for RB Leipzig striker Christoph Nkunku who will join them this summer.
The Blues are looking to repeat the trick with one of their top targets, Declan Rice. Chelsea have been long time admirers of the England starlet, with the player too fancying a move to the Stamford Bridge. However, there could be some complications as well, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool too eyeing a swoop in for the midfielder. But journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Chelsea hold an advantage in the race for Rice, over the other potential suitors.
Rice ready to sacrifice Champions League football for Chelsea
Declan Rice has become one of the hottest properties across Europe, attracting interest from a number of parties. However, it has to be said West Ham have worked a wonder in still keeping hold of their academy player, who could have easily fetched a fee in the excess of £100 million. But the 23-year-old too has admitted at times that he prefers the guaranteed playing time which he has been receiving at West Ham over a lucrative move.
Moreover, Rice has already made a over 200 first-team appearances for the Hammers, and even dons the captain’s armband. The defensive midfielder has also established his place in the England starting eleven under Gareth Southgate, featuring in 39 games and representing the Three Lions at two major tournaments in the EURO 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Rice will enter the final year of his current deal at West Ham at the end of this season, and a number of clubs have already started circling around him for a potential move in the summer. Moreover, it will also be the Hammers’ last chance to cash-in on their prized asset. The midfielder joined West Ham’s academy from Chelsea’s back in 2013, and is eager to return to Stamford Bridge.
On the other hand, Chelsea face a serious risk of missing out on Champions League football this season as they currently sit ninth in the Premier League, seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United. While the club feared lack of Champions League football could dent their chances of signing Rice, the player himself is unfazed with the probable scenario according to Ben Jacobs. The journalist revealed:
“Declan Rice remains a priority for Chelsea. UCL football is by no means guaranteed for Chelsea next season but Rice is looking at the bigger picture. Rice would ideally prefer a London move, but it won’t be a dealbreaker-factor in his final decision.”
The probability of Chelsea failing to achieve a top four finish is growing game after game, as Graham Potter’s team has managed only 3 wins in their last 10 league games. However, that hasn’t stopped the new owners from backing former Brighton manager in the market, as they are currently pursuing Benfica’s World Cup winning midfielder Enzo Fernandez for €120m. The Blues could well have plans in place to field a partnership of Rice-Fernandez from next season onwards, to succeed the current duo of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.