Report: Chelsea consider launching an offer for £80m-rated England international

Transfer News: Chelsea considering making an offer for Declan Rice

According to transfer news from Eurosport, Chelsea are mulling over launching an opening offer for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

Rice came through the youth ranks at Chelsea before making the switch to the Hammers’ academy in 2014. Since then, he has made rapid strides, breaking into the first-team in 2017 and quickly establishing himself as a mainstay. His progress over the years has also seen him become a permanent fixture in the middle of the park for the England national team.

Indeed, Rice was one of the Three Lions’ top performers during their run to the finals of the UEFA Euro 2020 over the last month. Set to return to West Ham after a break, the 22-year-old is said to be open to the prospect of a summer exit, as he wishes himself to test at the next level after his success at the Euros.

Chelsea, who have been linked with a move for Rice for quite some time, are now considering launching an opening offer for the England international. The Blues are aware that he is unlikely to come cheap, with West Ham demanding at least £80m for his services. In addition to that, Chelsea would also need to offer Rice a bumper contract worth £200,000-a-week.

Following the loan exit of Billy Gilmour, there is a vacancy in the middle of the park at Chelsea. Furthermore, N’Golo Kante is 30 and has had injury issues last year, while Jorginho is also closing in on his thirties. So, adding a fresh face like Rice to partner Gilmour for the future could sort Chelsea’s midfield for years to come.

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It will still be difficult to pull off a move, given West Ham are unlikely to want to part ways with their best player ahead of a season during which they will be playing European football.