football.london Chelsea reporter Adam Newson believes that West Ham would start negotiations for Declan Rice if a bid in excess of £75m was launched. Does that change anything for the Blues?
The last two years has seen a drastic increase in interest for England midfielder Rice. Chelsea have been keen on the 24-year-old since 2020 but have not seen eye to eye with the Hammers on his valuation. David Moyes considers Rice to be an integral player in his squad hence the sheer reluctance to let him go easily. Since 2020, his price tag has ranged between £60 million to £150 million. It's quite bizarre if you ask me, especially considering how vocal Rice has been in wanting to make a move for his career.
Thomas Tuchel is said to be an admirer of the West Ham captain so if £75 million could open negotiations, I assume Chelsea will be comfortable launching a bid in that region. If not, there are still other options out there.
The harsh reality is that £75 million transfer in this market for a midfielder is pretty standard. Former Chelsea target and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will be joining Real Madrid for a fee of around £85 million. It would be a shock if the Blues were to get Declan Rice for any less.
With Thomas Tuchel's budget believed to be around £200 million is it worth bringing in a £75m+ player? Especially with a squad rebuild on his hands.
It may be time for Chelsea fans to let the Declan Rice dream go. The need for a midfielder is urgent and must be fulfilled this summer if Chelsea are to compete next season. PSV's Ibrahim Sangare is believed to be the chosen alternative to Rice and more importantly, the cheaper alternative.
The Ivorian midfielder has a release clause in his contract of just £29.9m. He may not be the preferred fan alternative, but he is the smarter alternative and that may matter more for the benefit of the rebuild.
