The Athletic’s West Ham United correspondent Roshane Thomas has discussed a recent report regarding Chelsea’s interest in Declan Rice.
So far this season, the English defensive midfielder has made seven Premier League appearances for the Hammers in which he has neither scored nor assisted (per WhoScored).
While the 21-year-old Englishman has not had a direct involvement in a goal, he has earned an impressive 7.02/10 average rating, making him their joint-fourth-best performer in the league.
Following his good form, a recent report by The Athletic stated that Frank Lampard’s Chelsea ‘haven’t given up’ on the midfielder despite not making a move to sign him in the recent transfer window.
During the latest episode of The Athletic’s U Irons podcast, Thomas discussed the report regarding the Blues’ interest in Rice.
He said: “My colleague Simon Johnson reported on this story on Monday that Chelsea are hoping Declan Rice ignores any contract offers from West Ham as they hope to sign him in January. As we know, Rice was wanted by Chelsea [in] the last window.
“I personally believe West Ham fans should have no reason to fear that the club will sell him in January; West Ham are in a strong position.
“Rice’s contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 season and the club have the option to trigger a one-year option. Obviously, if you look at West Ham on the field right now, [they are] doing well, making good progress.
“Rice has always mentioned he’s enjoying it under David Moyes. He’s making really good progress and what sense would it make for West Ham to sell one of their best players [in] January?
“If we were to sell Declan Rice, it would make much more sense – and I hope it doesn’t happen – it would make much more sense for him to go next summer after the European Championships, because naturally, by then a player’s value increases when you have a good tournament.”
TIF Thoughts on what Roshane Thomas said about Declan Rice…
As can be seen in what the reporter had to say, he believes that Hammers fans do not need to “fear” the club selling Rice during the January transfer window.
While Thomas stated a number of reasons for this, he also believed that the best time to sell the player would be following the Euros next summer.
Do you think West Ham will sell Declan Rice in January?
Yes, I think he'll go
No, I think he'll stay
In The Athletic’s report which detailed Chelsea’s interest, it is also stated that the Hammers want to discuss ‘fresh terms’ with Rice ‘and offer a significant pay rise to ensure he stays’.
So, with two clubs seemingly vying for the midfielder, it will be interesting to see if Rice signs a new contract or ignores the Irons’ efforts like the Blues are hoping.