CHELSEA new-boy Enzo Fernandez has admitted that he has watched West Ham and England star Declan Rice to help improve as a midfielder.
Fernandez, 22, joined the Blues in a British record £107million transfer on deadline day following his World Cup-winning exploits in December.
The Argentine made his debut in the 0-0 draw with Fulham on Friday and impressed the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Despite Todd Boehly and Co spending upwards of £600m since their arrival last year, the Blues will continue to splash the cash with another big summer transfer window expected.
One of the positions rumoured to be strengthened is the midfield.
Finding a player to partner Fernandez in the middle of the park is key.
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And West Ham captain Rice, 24, is a player Chelsea have been long-time admirers of, dating back to the days when Roman Abramovich owned the club.
Rice even used to be a Chelsea academy player – but was released aged 14 before joining the Hammers, where he has grown into one of football’s brightest talents.
Fernandez has even admitted to watching Rice BEFORE he completed a big-money move to Chelsea.
The midfielder admitted he tries to watch the Hammers and England star “and learn”.
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He said during the World Cup: “I try to watch as much football and learn a little bit from everyone.
“I like Rice of England, I try to watch him and learn.”
However, West Ham boss David Moyes has warned that it’ll take smashing Fernandez’s transfer record for a club to get their mitts on Rice.
Rice was one of West Ham’s standout performers in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle on Sunday.
After the game, Moyes said: “I thought he was a top player in the first-half, really was.
“Showed so many things and it’s interesting, undoubtedly, Declan is going to be a top player and undoubtedly he’ll be a British transfer record if he ever leaves West Ham, and more.”
Moyes expects a future sale of Rice to blow Fernandez’s transfer “out of the water”.
The Scotsman continued: “I hope it’s not [an inevitable departure]. I hope he sees his time here [at West Ham].
“Look, there’s a lot of talk about it and it’s just important when you see what’s going about for the prices.
“I think Declan will be blowing that out of the water, that’s for sure, when it comes around.”
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Rice’s contract at the London Stadium runs until the summer of 2024, however, the Hammers have the option to extend for a further year.
Arsenal are also big admirers of Rice, and even Real Madrid have held an interest in the player.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
