Journo says 23-year-old star wants Chelsea transfer irrespective of UCL qualification

Declan Rice’s preference is to join Chelsea, irrespective of UEFA Champions League qualification

According to transfer guru Ben Jacobs on Si & Dan Talk Chelsea podcast (h/t Football London), West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is keen to join Chelsea, irrespective of whether the club qualifies for UEFA Champions League positions or not.

Chelsea have been interested in buying the 23-year-old star for some time and have been touted as one of the favourites if Rice chooses to leave West Ham.

West Ham, on the other hand, are going through one of the worst seasons in their recent history and sit at the bottom half of the table. Jacobs believes that Chelsea are in a strong positon to sign the talented midfielder, although they currently sit 10th in the league table.

“Declan Rice remains a priority for Chelsea. Rice, as he said at the World Cup, is keen to move to a Champions League club. UCL football is by no means guaranteed for Chelsea next season but Rice is looking at the bigger picture.”

“I am told Rice would ideally prefer a London move, but it won’t be a dealbreaker-factor in his final decision. West Ham are resigned to losing Rice in the summer and for a price closer to £70m than the £100m+ quoted over the summer.”

David Moyes is under pressure to get results but the board would also be under pressure of the possibility of losing one of their prized players in Rice, who would be looking to get a move on to one of the top clubs.

Rice has shown over the years his ability to dominate games from midfield and is an absolute leader, having been the captain of the Hammers after Mark Noble.

With his contract expiring in June 2024 (Transfermarkt), West Ham would be aware that they might end up losing the player for free if they do not sanction his transfer, with very few chances of him signing a contract extension.

It is claimed that Rice’s preference is to stay in London, hence proving Chelsea with the advantage not to forget the fact that he has been part of the Chelsea youth setup before making the move to West Ham.

Hence, it is a very likely possibility that we could go for the player, who is keen to join us irrespective of whether we qualify for the UEFA Champions League or not.

That in itself is a big indicator of the player being keen to join the new project at Chelsea under Todd Boehly which has already seen very impressive names coming in this January transfer window.

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He would be a delight to have in the squad as well. His best years are still ahead of him and the fact that he can double-up as a centre-back will only be a boon for us, given Wesley Fofana’s injury struggles and Kalidou Koulibaly’s form.