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West Ham United: Fabrizio Romano issues Declan Rice transfer claim

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Image for West Ham United: Fabrizio Romano issues Declan Rice transfer claim

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has been speaking on the Chasing Green Arrows YouTube channel to discuss all things regarding potential transfers. 

The Italian football journalist discussed West Ham’s Declan Rice amid speculation surrounding the English midfielder’s future with the Hammers.

Do you think Declan Rice will be sold this summer?

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Chelsea were heavily linked with the 22-year-old in the past while Frank Lampard was in charge, and that interest reportedly remains with Thomas Tuchel now at the helm.

And it is believed the midfielder would welcome a move away from the London Stadium this summer having already rejected an improved contract offer from the West Ham board.

Discussing the England midfielder’s future with the Hammers, Romano had the following to say.

“It’s true that the player will be prepared for the move. He loves Chelsea, so he will love this move. Last summer he was really close to joining Chelsea, with Frank Lampard pushing and pushing.

“But now the feeling is still the same. Chelsea appreciate the player, they consider him as the main target in midfield. Also, now the manager is Thomas Tuchel, but about the board, they consider Declan Rice as the perfect player, from what I’m told.

“But the real problem is about the fee. The fee is a big, big problem because West Ham want more than £80m-85m for Declan Rice.”

TIF Thoughts on Rice’s future…

We still think West Ham hold all the cards in this transfer saga. Rice still has three years remaining on his current contract with the Hammers, meaning they can require a huge fee for his signature.

So it is indeed a key update from Romano, with West Ham seemingly in charge of a situation where the player appears to have eyes only for Chelsea.

Rice has played a huge role in West Ham’s success last season, with 32 appearances in the Premier League campaign, playing every minute when he made the squad, meaning he would leave a big void to fill if he was to leave.

What we do question is what the potential departure of Rice could mean in West Ham’s hopes of signing Jesse Lingard on a permanent deal.

In other news: ‘I’d love to see him at West Ham’ – Moyes told to launch move for ‘top player’

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