Former Arsenal winger Perry Groves has said Chelsea are vulnerable in midfield and advised them to sign West Ham ace Declan Rice to improve midfield strength.
Chelsea have defensive problems they need to sort out this summer as suggested by the 54 goals they conceded in the Premier League this season is the highest in the top half of the table.
While some pointed out at goalkeeping and central defending for the problem, Groves believes the midfielders also share the blame as they cannot offer enough protection.
Groves also added that West Ham’s Rice could be an ideal signing to solve this problem.
He told talkSPORT (as quoted by the Express): “I think he does suit Chelsea because we said before, they look weak through the centre of their midfield area.
“It gives them that little bit of physical strength and he’s got better on the ball.
“He would be a player who would protect the two centre-halves. So that makes sense.”
But he also thinks that Chelsea would have to pay extra to bring their former academy player back to Stamford Bridge.
“The price is going to be more because obviously he’s English so that always puts the price up by another £10m, doesn’t it?”
However, Chelsea would likely have a hard time in persuading West Ham to sell the 21-year-old who is currently on holiday with Chelsea star and best friend Mason Mount at the Greek Island of Mykonos.
West Ham manager David Moyes previously said he has no desire to let one of his most valuable asset leave this summer.
The former Manchester United manager told the Evening Standard: “At the moment there have been no offers for Declan and we don’t want any.
“There’s always interest but we don’t want to encourage it.”