Two Pros And Three Cons To Signing Declan Rice As Lampard Speaks Out On Move For West Ham Star

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has refused to be drawn on whether the Blues will look to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice at the end of the season.

Lampard did, though, express his admiration for the 21-year-old and made a point of not denying the club’s interest in the player at his press conference today:

“Declan Rice is a good player, but there is no talk. Until these games are finished I will have nothing else to say on players.”

So, would Rice be a good signing for Chelsea? Press the next page as we go through the pros and cons of the deal:

CON – He is overpriced

Reports have suggested that Chelsea will make an initial £45m offer for Rice, but it is also claimed that West Ham would want a figure in the region of £70m for the player.

Homegrown players do come at a premium but, for that price tag, you could fund a move for Kai Havertz or another signing of equal ability.

PRO – Rice can play in multiple positions

It is believed that Lampard may well be eyeing the England international to play as a centre-back in a three-man defence, rather than as a holding midfielder.

Rice did start his career as a defender and was employed in that position by Hammers boss David Moyes in the 2-0 defeat to Wolves earlier this month. His flexibility and ability to play out from the back could make him a huge asset.

CON – The Blues already have a number of young holding midfielders

Were Rice to be signed as a defensive midfield player, though, it would be hard to see why he would be needed. As well as the world-class N’Golo Kante, Billy Gilmour is also very capable in the role.

With Ethan Ampadu also returning from RB Leipzig, the signing of Rice would certainly impact the game time of other young players who play in the same position.

PRO – Rice has massive potential and he’s already showing his ability

The West Ham star’s rise has been rapid. Over the past three seasons, he has amassed 100 senior appearances for his club and now has seven England caps.

Rice already has a great deal of experience, despite only being 21 years of age, and who knows how good he could be in four or five years time?

CON – He isn’t a transfer priority

With Chelsea having already spent a significant amount on Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, there is likely to be only limited transfer funds for other signings.

For that reason, you would think Lampard would be prioritising a signing at left-back or another goalkeeper. Spending a large sum on Rice doesn’t make sense in terms of strengthening the weaknesses of the starting eleven.

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