A Chelsea transfer involving West Ham could be arranged for a price 40 percent lower than the figure previously touted by David Moyes, according to a prominent journalist.
London’s rivals made significant strides last year. West Ham got European qualification and saw the star man Declan Rice become a mainstay of England’s charge for Euro 2020. Meanwhile, Chelsea were crowned European champions after a mid-season change of manager paid off.
By entering the new campaign, both parties seek to improve the options available to them in the transfer window.
However, one possible deal that could see Chelsea go strong at West Ham’s expense is to stop midfielder Rice.
The 22-year-old has improved year over year since he became a regular first-team player in 2017. The Hammers are on an upward trajectory, but retaining Rice’s services will undoubtedly be a difficult task if the big boys come along.
Man Utd and Chelsea are two of those clubs to which the interest has been credited. Coach Moyes is well aware that the vultures are circling and insisted last season The rice would not sell for less than £ 100 million.
However, that number could be significantly lowered pending Rice’s contract status. Matt Law of The Telegraph is now reporting that Rice will decline a third new contract offer should one be made.
With three years remaining on his current contract, West Ham has no immediate need to offer one. However, to give themselves the best chance of retaining the English in the long term, it is understood that they are looking to tie it to new bumper terms.
As Rice remains on his current contract, Law believes the Hammers’ position will be increasingly at a disadvantage.
As such, he said (via CaughtOffside): ‘West Ham would have to give serious thought to any offer in excess of £ 60 million due to the situation.’
Rice spent nine years in the Chelsea system between 2006-14. Their previous connections and Chelsea’s ability to match their ambition has often put them at the forefront of speculation.
Four iconic Premier League transfer sagas that rivaled those of Harry Kane
Chelsea loses another in transfer window
Meanwhile, Brentford has confirmed the signing of Myles Peart-Harris from Chelsea on a four-year deal, with the option of one more year, for an undisclosed fee.
Peart-Harris, a youth international from England, went through Chelsea’s youth system, but the 18-year-old leaves without making a first-team appearance. Instead, he will have his first taste of Premier League football with the newly promoted Brentford.
He is Chelsea’s second rising star to leave the club in two days after Leeds bought Lewis Bate.
The teenager becomes Brentford’s eighth summer signing as they prepare for their first season in the Premier League.
Thomas Frank pronounced his verdict on the young “dynamic” here.
READ MORE: West Ham seeks compromise after threatening to derail forward transfer
–
