June 24, (THEWILL) – Todd Boehly’s consortium, the new owners of Chelsea, have made a fresh contact to West Ham United regarding a move for Declan Rice.
The Hammers have been certain that they want to keep Rice this summer and have long insisted that they will not sell him unless their $150 million asking price is satisfied as the player is central to David Moyes’ hopes to contend for a top-four finish and a UEFA Champions League berth even as they prepare for the Europa Conference League next season.
The Hammers are still hoping Rice would agree to a new contract before the start of the upcoming campaign, although any new agreement the 23-year-old signs will come with a hefty release clause. Chelsea, who have long had a desire to sign Rice, have contacted West Ham once more in an effort to bring him to Stamford Bridge before the recommits to the Hammers.
At the request of the new owner and temporary sporting director Boehly, Chelsea contacted West Ham’s majority shareholder David Sullivan about the prospect of making a trade for Rice. The England international, though, is not available this summer, according to West Ham, and the Blues were given short shrift.
Armando Broja and Ross Barkley, the former of whom is a known transfer target of Moyes’, might be offered in part exchange by Chelsea to West Ham in an effort to test their resolve to keep Rice. Despite West Ham’s willingness to make Rice their highest-paid player, Rice has already declined offers to extend his contract at London Stadium. His current deal has two years left on it with the option of an additional year.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
