Chelsea did not make a bid for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as many had expected before the transfer window closed. It is believed the Blues needed to offload a number of fringe players before being able to fund the move.
However, with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso and Jorginho all staying put, it means an offer for Rice will have to wait until January. Supporters on Twitter think the club will continue their pursuit of the England international when the window reopens:
It will happen and I’m excited for it.
— Harry (@ChelseaHarry_) October 5, 2020
?. He will come ?.
— Dan McCarthy (@MaccaSport) October 5, 2020
If not we riot
— Zakai (@CFCrolle) October 5, 2020
January window ?
— Ryan (@Rynoldinho) October 5, 2020
It shall come to pass ?
— Mr. Emmy (@aemmy05) October 5, 2020
Coming soon
— Abdul (@CFCAbdul_) October 5, 2020
Absolutely!!! Bring him in!!! #Rice2021 ??
— Kevin Whitman (@KevinWhitman) October 5, 2020
Market opens in 8 weeks, I bet we go hard in January for him
— TJ Judson (@Judsontr) October 6, 2020
Best DM in the league ?? pic.twitter.com/qaStWbjYZ1
— Mitch (@Mitchthingz) October 5, 2020
Manager Frank Lampard would have been pleased with the business done in the window overall with seven new signings arriving at Stamford Bridge. However, the lack of a new holding midfield player may come back to bite them in the coming months.
Chelsea remain vulnerable at the back and the lack of protection for the defence is reportedly a major concern for Lampard. Whether the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho can do the job needed in the weeks ahead, we shall have to wait and see.