Chelsea backed to pursue a deal for West Ham United’s Declan Rice as N’Golo Kante’s replacement by BBC football expert Mark Lawrenson.
Kante seems to be one of the leading candidates to leave Chelsea this summer. After smashing a £200million outlay, Frank Lampard has to sell to balance the books.
The Frenchman should net the club a healthy profit, with Manchester United and Inter Milan credited with an interest. Kante’s departure would normally be a massive blow for Chelsea.
However, the 29-year-old’s importance to the team has dwindled. Moreover, Chelsea already have a perfect relationship waiting in the wings.
West Ham’s Declan Rice, of course. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder has been nothing short of outstanding since making a senior breakthrough four years ago.
Despite the young age, Rice already carries a reputation as one of Europe’s most well-established holding midfielders. Due to his versatility, he can also operate as a center-back.
Even if he turns out to be a flop, the English starlet will offer Chelsea a substantial sell-on value.
Those are the reasons why the Stamford Bridge outfit should not moan about losing Kante this summer, according to Mark Lawrenson.
“N’Golo Kante’s future with the Blues is still uncertain, which would ordinarily be a blow,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.
“But it seems like Lampard has a replacement lined up in the shape of West Ham’s Declan Rice, who would be another excellent buy.”
After carrying a well-structured transfer campaign, Chelsea seem to have managed to reduce the gap on other Premier League title contenders.
The arrivals of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva, and Ben Chilwell have made the Blues fans dream big again.
Chelsea are also on the brink of landing the Rennes shot-stopper Edouard Mendy. But, the signing of Rice would be the icing on the cake.
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