Chelsea prepare to make big sacrifice to pave way for West Ham star

Chelsea just won’t give up on their hopes of prying Declan Rice away from West Ham. Frank Lampard is ready to sell a big star to make the move happen.

Frank Lampard remains adamant in his belief that Declan Rice is the perfect signing to solidify his defensive midfield. The Chelsea manager is so convinced of the young Englishman’s talent, that he’s willing to sell one of his squad’s biggest names to fund the move.

Reports from England claim the Blues are planning on selling Jorginho to raise funds sufficient to satisfy West Ham’s transfer demands for Rice. The Hammers desperately want to hold on to Rice this summer to help their chances of moving up the Premier League table next season.

That doesn’t mean they’re financially capable of resisting Chelsea’s advances. West Ham have slapped a £65 million price tag on the rugged midfielder. That kind of transfer cash would give David Moyes and his coaching staff the ability to strengthen multiple positions before the arrival of the 2020-21 campaign. Losing Rice would be a significant blow, but some West Ham officials believe funds from his transfer could help improve the squad on the whole.

Chelsea are quite happy to help fund West Ham’s squad revival if it allows them to add Rice to their own starting XI. Lampard has never been overly convinced of Jorginho’s ability to control his midfield. He played the Italian international big minutes last season, but he’s not the sort of physical presence that Chelsea really want to control the middle of the pitch against elite opposition.

Rice doesn’t have the same level of skill on the ball that makes Jorginho an attractive player to certain managers, but he’s got the size and athleticism required to shield Chelsea’s back four at a high level. Lampard correctly understands that all of his defensive issues last season can’t be laid at the feet of his backline and goalkeeper. His team’s inability to hold up in the midfield also contributed to their defensive frailties.

Selling Jorginho won’t give Chelsea all the funds required to sign Rice, but it should give the Blues enough of a cash infusion to make the deal happen. Lampard will continue to put his stamp on Chelsea this summer if he’s able to pull off this complicated switch.