Declan Rice not for sale ‘under any circumstances’ — report

It’s been a transfer window to remember for and by Chelsea this summer, but with three weeks still to go, we might as well keep exploring additional options and keep poking around for more potential new signings. First and foremost of these explorations should be the one targeting former Chelsea academy prospect Declan Rice, who’s seen as reinforcement not just at defensive midfield but at center back as well.

Unfortunately for us, that mountain remains a rather steep one to climb, with West Ham reportedly demanding upwards of £80m for the 21-year-old. Not even Declan Rice’s biggest fan might be willing to spend that much! So basically it’s a not-for-sale sign, a hands-off warning without an actual warning.

The latest report on the situation from the Athletic — following Sunday’s conflicting reports about another potential bid from the Blues — is that West Ham are unwilling to do business this transfer window, and Rice is “not for sale under any circumstances”. While that may (and probably) will change in the future, right now, it’s a no go.

Given that the same report adds that West Ham might be interested in Emerson, perhaps we can play a long game. Let them have Emerson this summer and maybe they’ll be willing to deal for Rice next summer (if we still want him then).