Chelsea: Summer window should include signing Declan Rice
Chelsea is having itself a fantastic transfer window already, but the Blues’ business could get even better if they purchase Declan Rice.
Chelsea has already secured two massive transfers prior to the summer transfer window that would make any window a success. It looks like more are to come with big names like Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz being rumored. However, one of the less flashy names picking up steam is former Chelsea Academy player Declan Rice.
Rumors are swirling regarding Chelsea’s interest in the versatile West Ham defender who made his presence felt in the Hammers’ recent win over the Blues. He was impressive, not only as a sound defender in midfield, but even more impressively as a leader. He was the on-filed maestro for West Ham and he impressed even Chelsea fans—at least, until sending the Blues home empty handed. For these reasons, Rice should be amongst the Blues signings this summer.
The cost being tabled by the Hammers is around £80 million or so; way too high a valuation, even for a young player of his obvious talent. Yet, commentators suggest that in this case, a swap deal involving the likes of a Michy Batshuayi and/or other players who are surplus-to-requirements with the addition of cash might help bridge the gap. That’s a sterling idea and one which the club should certainly entertain.
Gaining equity—devalued as it may be—for unused players at the club is good business for any club, not to mention a club that is on its way to constructing a team that can compete in Europe. Rice’s versatility is a plus for Chelsea as it’s exactly the quality Frank Lampard looks for in prospects. He can deputize as a central defensive midfielder to either relieve N’Golo Kante or fill in, in case of his ever more frequent injuries.
In addition, Lampard may see Rice as a successor to the inimitable John Terry in the center of the Chelsea defense. Rice has the grit, the talent and the leadership ability to potentially do just that. The fluid state of Chelsea’s central defense surely needs an infusion of those attributes if the club is to advance to the top of the Premier League and Europe over the next few years. Those are the goals—nothing less is acceptable any longer.
Chelsea has had a marvelous beginning to the summer in terms of transfers. Rice would add to that success. To be able to compete against Liverpool and the two Manchester teams in the EPL and across Europe, much more work must be done though. The Blues need another attacking midfielder, a left back, a central defender and most definitely a new keeper. That may be asking a lot of a club that has already spent about £90 million on new signings prior to the window officially opening.
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It’s a tall order; yet, there are fungible assets to be sold to assist. It’s going to be a fabulous window. and hopefully, the club can fill all of its needs this summer. Regardless of the Blues’ ability to plug all of its holes, Rice checks multiple boxes.