Declan Rice is a player who has been consistently linked with Chelsea now for years. But the issue has been, he’s never been made available by his club.
Well, this summer will see a change in that stance, and West Ham will sell the England midfielder in the summer window, as confirmed today in the Ben Jacobs exclusive column on Si & Dan Talk Chelsea.
The latest on Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Declan Rice, Edson Alvarez, Malo Gusto, Tino Livramento, Hakim Ziyech, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kai Havertz, and if FFP will effect Chelsea.
✍️ – @JacobsBen https://t.co/RtqiAsVl3F
— Chelsea-News (@ChelseaNewsCo_) January 23, 2023
In his extensive column, Jacobs starts off the subjects speaking on the Declan Rice situation, with stories out on this one over the weekend.
Arsenal are considered frontrunners to land him, but Jacobs says the bottom line is that Rice himself, has not yet made a decision on his future, and Chelsea still see him as a priority for the summer.
They won’t be alone either, Jacobs says Manchester United are also keen on Rice. Seems like a way to go yet with this one.
“Rice will definitely leave West Ham this summer and hinted during the World Cup he’s a bit jealous of his England teammates playing Champions League football,” Jacobs wrote.
“He has always been a priority name for Chelsea, but they had no chance of landing him last summer.
“Rice hasn’t made up his mind. Chelsea, much like with Jude Bellingham, have always known there will be competition for Rice. Arsenal’s interest is not particularly new and should they win the Premier League and be able to offer Rice instant Champions League football, they’ll be in a strong position. Manchester United can’t be discounted either.
“Chelsea will be confident in agreeing something with West Ham, so it’s all going to come down to convincing Rice; and from Chelsea’s point of view having him see progress between now and the end of the season could be a significant factor.”
