West Ham midfielder Declan Rice remains a top transfer target for Chelsea ahead of next summer, according to reports in England.
The Blues’ interest in the England international had seemingly cooled following the takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, while the departure of Thomas Tuchel had raised further doubts about a potential bid.
However, it appears that the London club’s recruitment team are still very much set on signing Rice, which hasn’t gone down well with some supporters on Twitter:
Weβre aiming to be mid table.
— Winny (@Bogardesbankacc) October 4, 2022
Nooooo
— ππ ξ¨ (@BlueTruthTJ) October 4, 2022
Really ?
— Winst SG (@blueboy8828) October 4, 2022
Lmao we hear this every year
— π π πͺπΈ (@LaWesttSzn) October 4, 2022
Ffs give me bellingham
— Chelseachelsktbffh (@Chelseachelskt1) October 4, 2022
— Kunta.ts (@AnthonyOride) October 4, 2022
Pls don't bring Declan to Chelsea. Al I ask.
— Mike tyson (@tysonmike199595) October 4, 2022
If we go for rice over Bellingham I'm done with this club
— Cal (@CFC_CAL__) October 4, 2022
Although Rice will have one year remaining on his contract next summer, West Ham do have an option to extend his stay for a further year, which means they are expected to keep their price tag at around Β£120m.
With Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool also keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, it seems like Rice could have plenty of other suitors too, which means Chelsea may well have to break their transfer record to secure his services.
