Jarrod Bowen has explained to Todd Boehly why Declan Rice should be signed by Chelsea in the forthcoming transfer window. This season, the West Ham vice-captain has been extensively linked with a move to Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel keen to rebuild the club this summer.
Rice was on the west London club’s summer shortlist, but a deal was put on hold after a £100 million value was deemed’steep,’ according to The Athletic. However, following a string of commanding performances for the Hammers, David Moyes has stated that the 23-year-old would cost £150 million to leave the London Stadium.
The England international’s current contract at the London Stadium expires in the summer of 2024, after he was released from Cobham at the age of 14. Should West Ham choose to keep the ‘Premier League’s greatest holding midfielder,’ the east Londoners have the option to extend the deal for another 12 months.
Bowen commented about the transfer interest in his teammate this season after being called up to the England squad. Rice responded, “I don’t think so,” when asked if there are many better finest holding midfielders in the Premier League than him.
“If you look at Dec, he’s gaining more attention and people are seeing what he can do; this season he’s gone from strength to strength, he’s got everything you need.”
Bowen continued by providing a first-hand description of Rice’s meteoric rise to fame. “I don’t view it as a distraction; it shows the progress he’s made in the two years since the Euros final,” he remarked.
“I think Dec demonstrated what he was about in the Euros, and people began to grasp him a little more and how talented he is – I see it in training.” He’s progressed to the next level, and you naturally want to play with the best players. I’d like to play with Dec both at my club and in the nation.”
Chelsea’s persistent interest in Rice has coincided with Boehly’s stated ‘drive for A-list signings’ and Tuchel’s enthusiasm for a rebuild this summer. “We are rebuilding, not enhancing the team,” the Blues coach told football.london. We are in the process of rebuilding. This is always a challenge for us, but we are up for it.
“I’ve had no idea where we’re at since day one.” What I can guarantee is that I will be here – if I can promise that – with full vigor and positive energy regardless of what happens. We’ll continue to work for Chelsea, and I’m not going to think about the worst-case situation. On whatever level we will compete, we shall see.”
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