Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea have reportedly told West Ham United to wait before making a decision on Declan Rice amid strong interest from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
The Telegraph have reported that Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in signing Declan Rice from London and Premier League rivals West Ham United in the summer transfer window.
The report has claimed that Arsenal have had an initial offer for Rice already turned down.
The Hammers want as much as £100 million in transfer fees for the England international midfielder.
The report has claimed that Chelsea “are also in contention” for Rice and have “asked West Ham to wait as they try and move players on before buying”.
Arsenal or Chelsea for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice?
In our view, Arsenal are more likely to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United than Chelsea.
Although the Blues have asked the Hammers to wait and West Ham could be prepared to do so, if Arsenal make a new offer and pay the £100 million needed, then it is hard to see David Moyes’s side turn that down.
After all, West Ham cannot wait for a bid from Chelsea because it may not come, or it could arrive late in the window.
Let us not forget that the Hammers will need to sign a replacement for Rice, described as “a diamond and a fabulous player” by former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves on Premier League Productions (29/04/23 at 11:50 am), so it is not as if West Ham can wait forever for Chelsea.
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