West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is expecting to leave the Hammers at the end of the season, according to reports in England.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all said to have registered an interest in securing the England international’s services next summer.
Fans on Twitter are very much split on whether the Blues should go after Rice. Some feel he would be an excellent addition to the squad, while others think he is no longer needed:
Only one club he’s coming to next summer ??
— Lucas ?? (@CarefreeLucas) September 4, 2021
Well I fully expect that Saul will perform and get his buy clause triggered. Then we’ll also have Gallagher and Gilmour back next season.
Do we need Rice? Probably a no to me.
— edward (@itstrunghoa) September 4, 2021
If we’re still pressing for Jules. Then him and Rice should be a great transfer targets next season
— Nicholas Benedict (@mailme2x) September 4, 2021
What utter rubbish. That makes no sense.
— pete crowther (@thechelskikid) September 4, 2021
Future Chelsea captain
— Bluebitlon ⭐️ ⭐️ (@KA281183) September 4, 2021
We’re stackee in midfield let him go to Man Utd
— Satyajeet Patil (@satyajeet_chels) September 5, 2021
Hopefully Saul does well!
— Sunday Deogratias (@sundeo_) September 4, 2021
Great signing for the Chels, Jorgi and Ngolo are getting on a bit now he’s a signing for the next ten years
— Joshua (@joshuacallen7) September 4, 2021
If Saul Niguez does well during his loan spell at Stamford Bridge, and the Spaniard signs on a permanent basis, it would be hard to justify paying £80m to £100m for another midfielder.
Rice is, however, a long-term target for the club, with previous head coach Frank Lampard having been a big admirer of the 22-year-old. It is also believed that current boss Thomas Tuchel is a massive fan of the player.