The confirmation of UK government sanctions against Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich means that the Blues can’t sign any players until the club is sold.
With West Ham midfielder Declan Rice having been a long-term target for Chelsea, Hammers supporters on Twitter are delighted that they may be able to keep their talisman this summer:
Declan rice staying at West Ham love to see it
— tadhg (@tadhg_2002) March 10, 2022
No Declan rice to Chelsea this summer then🎉 pic.twitter.com/zUFG5GutJv
— Brad-lee Hawkins (@BradleeHawkins) March 10, 2022
When you clear the Declan Rice to Chelsea charges pic.twitter.com/E2DRyUAIfV
— robert pattinson enjoyer (@Chazzamcwazza) March 10, 2022
West Ham’s chances of hanging on to Declan Rice just improved a tiny bit.
— Rob (@_Bankrobber_) March 10, 2022
Chelsea mudded? Declan Rice is staying. Bring me Rashford and Lingard pronto pic.twitter.com/RoeU6qeKJl
— tom (@tswhu1) March 10, 2022
@WestHam announce new @_DeclanRice contract then 🤩⚒ https://t.co/hvaTz5q631
— sam (@samped10) March 10, 2022
Declan Rice to Chelsea 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Scott Brougham ⚒ (@BroughamScott) March 10, 2022
It is probably best that West Ham fans don’t count their chickens quite yet. Chelsea could still have new owners before the next transfer window opens, while there is still likely to be interest in the player from Manchester United and Manchester City.
However, the Irons could try and use the uncertainty to offer Rice a new contract. If he were to commit his long-term future to the club, it would certainly end the speculation about a potential move. Whether he is willing to put pen to paper on a new deal, though, it remains to be seen.