According to Graeme Bailey, Chelsea may be the final side left in the running to capture Declan Rice this summer.
When discussing Rice’s future on The Fully Loaded Transfer Show, the journalist said that he wouldn’t be shocked if West Ham ended up demanding £120 million for the ‘world class’ midfielder.
You have to question if Arsenal will pay £120 million for Rice given that they plan to make an initial bid of £90 million.
Bailey doubts that Arsenal would give Rice that much money, suggesting that Chelsea may end up making the final payment for the England international.
Chelsea might nip Rice.
Bailey gave Rice his assessment.
West Ham doesn’t have to let him leave, so don’t be shocked if they dig in their heels and go look at the price tag of £100m plus £20m in add-ons. Who will cover that expense is still up in the air, according to Bailey.
“With Rice, I think Chelsea would pay it, and I think they probably will. That’s where Chelsea may win out, they may be the last man standing.”
ready to spend
Sad to say, Chelsea are considerably more ready to spend this type of money than Arsenal in this transfer race.
Yes, the Gunners are in the Champions League and Rice arguably fits them better, but West Ham cares more about Chelsea’s extravagant spending habits than the Arsenal’s.
Rice will be able to influence where he goes, but West Ham will ultimately decide which offers to take. If Chelsea accepts a greater offer than Arsenal, they will get the upper hand in this race.
