Marina Granovskaia informs Lampard of Chelsea’s January plans
According to The Athletic, Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia will permit Frank Lampard to make just one addition to his side in the January transfer window.
The Blues are coming on the back of a lavish summer that saw them invest heavily in the first-team squad. Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy have all experienced varying levels of success at the Bridge.
However, Lampard still believes his side lacks a key component. That missing piece appears to be West Ham United star Declan Rice.
The Blues were keen to sign Rice in the summer but were unable to agree on a deal. They are set to make a move for the English international once the window opens in the new year.
The Hammers are reluctant to let their star midfielder leave. David Moyes recently admitted that it would cost a king’s ransom to prise the player from West Ham.
Rice has been a dominant presence in the Hammers midfield. The prospect of him doing the same for us would be a welcome sight. Moreover, the youngster has a good relationship with Mason Mount on and off the pitch.
With Rice’s contract running until 2024, West Ham hold the aces when it comes to negotiations. Despite his willingness to move, Rice is not keen to force through a transfer.
The 21-year-old is keen to repay the Hammers for the trust they put in him. It can be argued that Rice will find it easier to adapt at Chelsea than Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.
Unlike the German duo, Rice is familiar with the English game and has also played with Chelsea stars while on England duty. If there was one player we could add the January, it would be Rice. It is heartening to see Granovskaia think along similar lines.