Chelsea wanted Declan Rice “quite badly” under the guidance of sporting director Marina Granovskaia.
What’s the word?
That is according to journalist Paul Brown, who has informed GIVEMESPORT of the Blues’ interest in the West Ham captain when the likes of Granovskaia and Frank Lampard were at the club, with the journalist now unsure as to whether that same level of interest in the player still exists under the new regime.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown said: “Declan Rice is an interesting one because Marina Granovskaia was one of the people who wanted him quite badly when she was still around. Also, Frank Lampard was a huge fan of his.
“Neither of those two are at Chelsea any longer, so it remains to be seen how interested Chelsea are still in Declan Rice.”
A “Midfield General”
Quite simply, £62k-per-week Rice is a “Midfield General”, as dubbed by Statman Dave on Twitter, so you can understand Chelsea’s reported interest over the last couple of seasons.
And whilst Brown questions whether the England international is still desired at the club, it is my view that the 23-year-old is still well and truly on the list of potential midfield candidates.
How could he not be? Having shown the maturity and class to captain West Ham at his youthful age, his game is constantly progressing on a technical and positional level, which would make him perfect for the anticipated Graham Potter regime that sees the central midfield pairing act as initiators for the involvement of wide players.
Having garnered an average of 6.06 progressive carries, with 2.11 being carries into the final third, Rice is entirely progressive with the ball and also makes for somewhat of a passing expert, with his 89.7% pass completion rate essential in creating stability in the middle of the pitch.
Rice has what it takes to thrive at Chelsea, especially under the tutelage and system of Potter.
It would come as a major surprise if Chelsea cooled their interest, particularly at a time when West Ham are vulnerable and could perhaps be persuaded within the next season or so.
