Glen Johnson has urged Chelsea to sign Declan Rice, who he considers to be the long-term successor to current midfield star Jorginho.
Chelsea are expected to make a high profile signing in midfield this summer, with plenty of big names linked with the club already. Since taking over, Thomas Tuchel may have had the luxury of fielding N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, but plans need to be formulated for the future.
While the current options may continue for another season or two, they do not want targets to slip through their grips and join rival clubs. Aurelien Tchouameni is one such name on their list, but it is Declan Rice who has emerged as a priority for the west London giants.
The West Ham star is waiting for Chelsea to make their move, as he would love to join his boyhood club again. Rice was released from the Chelsea academy as a 14-year-old and has done a tremendous job over at West Ham.
Considering West Ham’s recent rise in the Premier League, many have come to urge Rice to stay put at the London Stadium and continue playing for the Hammers. However, it seems inevitable that the England international would join one of the other big clubs, with Chelsea considered favourites to secure his signature.
Former Chelsea and Liverpool star Glen Johnson thinks Chelsea should not waste any more time to sign the midfielder. As quoted by Daily Mail, Johnson urged the Blues to bring back the England star and avoid losing him to their rivals.
Johnson said, “If Chelsea don’t sign him, then someone else will. It’s one of those situations – he’s either going to your rivals, or he’s coming to you. It looks unlikely that he’ll stay at West Ham, but it’ll work out either way because if he stays, then West Ham keep a world-class player, and if he goes, they’ll get a fortune for him.”
“He’s a class act, on and off the pitch. He’s still a young guy, still learning his trade, but I think the way he handles himself is not fake; it’s authentic. He’s clearly a lovely guy. I think the more characters we have like that knocking around for England, the better.”
Furthermore, Johnson insisted Rice could be the long-term heir to current Chelsea star Jorginho, who remains one of their most important players in the squad.
Johnson continued, “I’d probably say Jorginho. I think that’s a bit harsh because I’m a big fan of Jorginho, but I think if Rice came in with fresh legs and can motor around the park, then Jorginho would probably be the one that’s sacrificed. Hopefully, Jorginho doesn’t leave because he’s a great player, but he’s probably the one that I think would drop out of the starting line-up if it was to happen.”
The 23-year-old has a contract with West Ham that runs until 2024, with an option of an additional twelve months. However, West Ham missing out on a top-four finish could compel him to consider his options in the summer.
