Declan Rice is likely to stay at West Ham for another season, according to reports in the English media.
The 22-year-old’s £90m asking price is believed to be putting off potential suitors, including Chelsea, who were tipped to make a move for the midfielder this summer.
However, despite turning down two contract offers from the Hammers, Rice is said to be willing to wait to seal his switch to Stamford Bridge. Most fans on Twitter are not particularly fussed about signing Rice, with some believing he will be cheaper next year anyway:
Next season he'll just leave for 50 or 60m.?
— Mickie_ De_Sage. (@lynkolndesage) August 8, 2021
Gilmour was always clear.
— ????? ???? ? (@1shegzbaba) August 8, 2021
I see no reason why Chelsea need him anyway.
— Sombori (@Alao97810635) August 8, 2021
He’s not worth 90 mill
— Will.i.am Treacy (@wtreacy84) August 8, 2021
Bring tchuomeni
— Derrick Willys (@DerrickWillys) August 8, 2021
Yessss, Chelsea just dodge a bullet on having another drinkwater in our squad ?
— Rick Sorkin (@iszeeo) August 8, 2021
Nobody is paying 90m for Rice dfkm. The best they’ll get is 50m.
— :: (@somedaytolive) August 7, 2021
Im happy with that, see how RLC performs this season & if we need DR then we’ll get him next season.
— JB (@farrowbrownj13) August 8, 2021
With Romelu Lukaku poised to sign for a fee of £97.5m, it is not surprising that the Blues are unwilling to shell out a similar figure on another player during the current transfer window.
The only concern about delaying a move for Rice, though, is that it could well lead to rival clubs such as Manchester United or Manchester City taking advantage of the situation and making their own bid for the England international.