LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Declan Rice of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Leicester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
According to Football.London, Chelsea are set to be dealt a blow with Declan Rice. West Ham are looking to tie down the player to a new contract to fend off interest from other clubs. The midfielder was a priority target for Chelsea throughout last summer but a deal failed to materialise with West Ham’s valuation of the player.
Declan Rice is a 21-year-old English midfielder who plays for West Ham United. A fact about him is that he started out his youth career at Chelsea back in 2006. After getting released, he joined West Ham’s academy in 2014.
After four years in the youth team, Rice broke into the first-team during the 2017-18 season. In the following seasons, he impressed one and all and has since gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists.
Despite playing for the Ireland national youth teams and representing the senior side three times in friendlies, Rice pledged his allegiance for England and was subsequently drafted into the Three Lions setup. So far, he has 10 caps for England.
Rice is a very versatile defensive player who can play as a defensive midfielder and also as a centre-back if required.
Midfield might not be the position that Declan Rice could be playing in at Stamford Bridge. He will most likely be used as a centre-back given Chelsea’s defensive issues and Rice’s experience of playing in that position.
Thus, securing the services of someone like Rice, who can play at centre-back, would be a smart move by the club. The fact that the England international can provide cover in defensive midfield must only add to the appeal of signing him.
Declan Rice is a player Chelsea need. He is young and has proven himself over the last couple of seasons. A tough tackler with a calm head on his shoulders and the ability to play in different positions? Sounds like a great all-round deal for Chelsea.
Whether or not he is offered a new contract at West Ham, Chelsea must attempt to sign him again regardless. Chelsea have been leaking goals with relative ease and they need someone to plug the holes. Declan Rice can be just that. The club should return for him in January.
