Chelsea one of three most likely clubs to sign ‘world-class’ player, £100m swap deal could be enough

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Chelsea have been described as one of the favourites to sign West Ham No.41 Declan Rice along with Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Anton Toloui.

So, what was said about Chelsea and Declan Rice? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, Toloui said: “Chelsea have a long standing interest in Declan Rice. We don’t know, under the new ownership, whether he’s going to be a top priority, but that interest is still there.

“Those are the three clubs (Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich) who appear to be the favourites. We understand West Ham want £120m. That’s more than Real Madrid are paying for Jude Bellingham. However, they will maybe accept £100m plus a player.”

Speculation about the England international’s future has gone into overdrive after David Sullivan revealed that he will let the 24-year-old leave West Ham, following the UEFA Europa Conference League win over Fiorentina.

The 74-year-old told talkSPORT that Rice rejected a £200,000-a-week contract 18 months ago, and has made it clear he would like to leave the London Stadium.

Chelsea could tempt West Ham into Declan Rice talks

While Arsenal and Bayern Munich hold an advantage over Chelsea as they can offer Rice Champions League football next season, Sky’s comment about a potential swap deal could give the Blues a lifeline.

A story from Football Transfers claimed that David Moyes is looking at Conor Gallagher as a potential replacement for Rice, with James Ward-Prowse and Scott McTominay also in the Scot’s sights.

Therefore, if Chelsea stump up a financial offer close to the £100m mark and also throw in Gallagher, it could be enough to tempt West Ham into doing business.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Rice – who has been called “world class” by David Hunt, West Ham’s old Head of Academy Recruitment – looks set to leave the London Stadium within the next few weeks.