‘He wants to go’: Chairman confirms he’ll let £100m Chelsea target leave, Pochettino is a huge fan

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David Sullivan has now confirmed that he will let Declan Rice leave West Ham this summer amid interest from Chelsea.

The 74-year-old made the comments on talkSPORT after West Ham won the UEFA Europa Conference League with a 2-1 win over Fiorentina on Wednesday.

So, what did David Sullivan say about Chelsea target Declan Rice? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, it was 90min who claimed that Chelsea are keen to sign the £100m-rated West Ham captain this summer, as Mauricio Pochettino feels the England international would be a huge upgrade on his current midfield options.

Now – after West Ham won their first major trophy in 40 years – a deal could be on.

Sullivan told talkSPORT: “I think it has to be (Rice’s last game). We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.

“In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements. It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.

“It’s cost him £10m to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). He wants to go. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”

That is quite the interview from Sullivan – to say the least.

Chelsea pessimistic about Declan Rice deal

At this moment in time, it feels as if someone like Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia is more likely to join Chelsea than Rice.

The Guardian believe Chelsea feel a deal for the 24-year-old is unlikely at this stage after missing out on European football for the 2023/24 campaign.

Another story from the Guardian adds that Mason Mount’s expected departure from Chelsea is also not good news for Pochettino in his pursuit of Rice, as the pair are best friends – it would see the Blues lose a key bargaining chip.

Furthermore, the Daily Mail add that West Ham’s No.41 has made it clear to Chelsea that he wants Champions League football next season.

With all of the above in mind, we would be very surprised if Rice ends up at Stamford Bridge.