Transfer News: Chelsea given fresh boost in pursuit of 23-year-old England international

Transfer News: Chelsea given fresh boost in pursuit of West Ham United star Declan Rice

One name that Chelsea have been linked with the club for a very long time and yet, there seems to be no signs of it stopping any soon is that of England international Declan Rice.

In what happens to be the latest development in the story, Chelsea have been handed a fresh boost in their pursuit of the talented West Ham United midfielder with it emerging that the Hammer could be open to negotiating a sale for their prized asset next summer, according to @ExWHUEmployee (via Absolute Chelsea) [h/t Football. London]

Rice, who happens to be a former Cobham reject is heavily linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look to atone for the error they made many years ago. One of the best players in the Premier League at the moment, the 23-year-old has a huge future in the game.

Every Chelsea fan out there is likely to be waiting anxiously and hoping that Rice indeed returns to Chelsea. The Blues have had their woes in midfield this season and with the likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante leaving, the West Ham man would be the perfect replacement for Graham Potter’s side.

Rice is a player who makes the difficult things in football look really simple. Although he almost exclusively plays as a part of a double pivot in David Moyes’ side, the talented Englishman is more than capable of playing as the sole number six and carries out that role to excellence in the national team.

Although the Hammers have had a poor start to the season compared to their past couple of campaigns, Rice seems to show absolutely no dip in his performances. The Chelsea target has played 20 times for West Ham this season scoring one goal and providing two assists across all competitions.

Rice has a contract with the London club until 2024 (Transfermarkt) and it seems like the Hammers have the option to extend that deal by a year. However, it seems impossible that the 23-year-old will stay with West Ham for so long and the Blues could be able to sign him next summer.

It is highly unlikely that West Ham will let Rice go unless they get a significant fee. However, the Blues or any other club who are interested will be able to get some leeway in negotiating with the Hammers considering that the English starlet does not have much longer left on his contract.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea target Jude Bellingham wants to play for Real Madrid despite £130 million valuation barrier
• Paul Barber recalls Chelsea call for Graham Potter after Thomas Tuchel sacking
• Wayne Rooney backs Chelsea playmaker Kai Havertz to have a good tournament at the FIFA World Cup

Rice to Chelsea would be a match made in heaven – we need a player of his ilk. The former Cobham reject could get his chance at redemption in a Blues shirt and it will be a signing that can mark an era at Stamford Bridge.