The Chelsea development is fantastic news for West Ham’s transfer plan following rumors of a new contract for Manchester City striker Kalvin Phillips. The enormous fire sale at Chelsea has begun, and it looks both West Ham and Manchester City might benefit.
After building a roster of more than 30 senior players as a result of Todd Boehly’s massive purchasing binge, Chelsea is attempting to trim down their squad size. The biggest English transfer of the summer is expected to be for West Ham United captain Declan Rice. The Hammers skipper has been mentioned in connection with both Chelsea and Manchester City.
Chelsea’s struggles this season caused them to position far outside of the European spots, excluding them from the hunt to capture Rice from West Ham since the midfielder wants to play in the Champions League. Perhaps the only club in England that can do it consistently is Manchester City. They have furthermore been connected to a passion for Rice.
A recent event, though, suggests that he won’t land at either. Chelsea, Manchester City, and West Ham may create a transfer triangle in the search for Declan Rice’s successor.
No Irony If West Ham Sign Phillips as Rice’s Replacement
Phillips will likely be a candidate to replace Rice if Man City sign Kovacic. So David Ornstein’s shocking Chelsea update is wonderful news for West Ham’s transfer strategy, after reports of a new deal for Manchester City striker Phillips. The irony will be obvious if West Ham does sign Phillips after selling Rice because Rice has definitely resolved the debate between Leeds and West Ham fans on who is the better player after two seasons of debate.
In a recent report from The Evening Standard, it was revealed that West Ham is monitoring the situation of Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips in front of the summer transfer window. In January 2022, West Ham made an effort to pay £55 million to acquire Phillips from Leeds, but the following summer, Manchester City signed him. With just one Premier League start and nine substitute bench appearances in 2022–23, Phillips has a difficult time breaking into the team on a consistent basis in the future.
At the Etihad, he has struggled, earning only four starts under Pep Guardiola. That is not to imply Phillips would not be a fine addition for West Ham if he can overcome his current injury troubles. The arrival of Kovacic at Manchester City will undoubtedly help pave the way for any move.
