West Ham United look to Chelsea to fill Declan Rice void

West Ham United are hoping to land Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and Bayern star Leon Goretzka

West Ham United are in the market for Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher and Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as they look to fill Declan Rice’s void.

According to Sky Germany (h/t Daily Mail), David Moyes’s side wants Goretzka, who has been rated at £43 million by Bayern and are in talks with Chelsea for Gallagher.

The moves could be very possible, at least from West Ham’s end, given the Hammers made a £105 million profit through the sale of Rice to Arsenal. Given he was their captain and virtually never missed a game, his replacement will be required.

Moyes is hoping to reinforce their central midfield before the start of next season, and it seems like they have found two ideal midfielders who can replace the England International.

However, it is understood that the German international has turned down every offer because he doesn’t want to leave Bayern Munich. While Gallagher is believed to be cheaper than the German player as he has been valued at £30 million,  Chelsea are also hoping to sell the 23-year-old.

Chelsea are also in the market for a midfielder and are targeting Moises Caicedo. The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has agreed personal terms to join the club.

Gallagher is currently the first-team midfielder alongside Enzo Fernandez, and his future remains uncertain given the Blues’ openness to selling him. He will be a good addition for the Hammers as he is young and his off-the-ball movements are excellent.

We have already sold Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Even if we sign Caicedo, there is a valid argument that two more players in central midfield will still be needed.

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Unless we plan on giving Andrey Santos, Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka a serious run in the squad, it seems important to retain Gallagher — who is notably a homegrown player. Unless a huge offer comes in, it is best for the Blues to retain Gallagher and protect their squad depth.