Chelsea have ‘good chances’ of signing Rice

Chelsea have ‘good chances’ of sealing the signing of West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice this summer, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Rice linked with Chelsea move

The Blues have needed midfield additions for some time now, in order to replace the likes of experienced duo N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic in the long term.

Enzo Fernandez has already come in as a big-money addition in January, helping alleviate that issue, but Rice is another player who has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

The 24-year-old is undoubtedly one of West Ham’s most important players, and England’s for that matter, having started all five matches for the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.

Rice is likely to leave the Hammers at the end of the season, in order to enjoy a new challenge at a bigger club, and Chelsea will know that they face strong competition for his signature.

Now, a new update shows that the Blues remain extremely keen on the midfielder.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sport journalist Plettenberg claimed that Chelsea are ‘definitely in the race and highly interested’:

“News #Rice: Chelsea is definitely in the race and highly interested – confirmed! He’s one of the top candidates in order to strengthen the defensive midfield. Contract until 2024. Therefore good chances to sign him this summer.”

The Verdict: Perfect midfield signing

Rice would be absolutely perfect for Chelsea this summer, potentially coming in as part of the midfield rebuild along with Fernandez and fellow rumoured transfer target Romeo Lavia.

At 24, the 39-cap England international is maturing into the complete midfielder, possessing quality in possession, dynamism off the ball and also being a strong leader, already captaining West Ham at a young age.

Rice averaged 2.2 interceptions per game at the World Cup, as well as enjoying an incredible 94.3% pass completion rate, while in the Premier League, he has averaged 1.2 key passes per match, showing all facets to his game across various stages.

The fact that he is also a boyhood Chelsea fan could be an added bonus for the Blues, as they look to acquire the service of someone who Gary Lineker has hailed as ‘magnificent’.

Rice is a player who could end up captaining England in the future, such is his current standing, and it is hard to see him being anything other than a big success for Chelsea, even though he would clearly cost a lot of money.