West Ham consider this Chelsea player as Rice’s replacement

West Ham are said to be considering signing Chelsea’s Dennis Zakaria as a replacement for their star player Declan Rice who could leave this summer.

The Hammers are preparing for life without their captain Rice who has been heavily linked with Arsenal but could end up at Manchester City this summer.

While the Gunners are planning to table a third bid for the England star, reports have emerged that Manchester City are close to signing the player.

The Gunners are facing strong competition from the Citizens who are set to submit their bid to West Ham, who are holding out for at least £100m.

Manchester United are also said to be interested in Rice but Chelsea are not, with their focus on Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

Irrespective of the club he joins, Rice’s departure from the London Stadium is inevitable and as such West Ham need a replacement soon.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said that the Hammers are among the clubs that have shown interest in Zakaria, with Chelsea opting not to trigger his buyout clause in his contract with Juventus.

The 26-year-old, who moved to Stamford Bridge on loan on deadline day last summer made only 11 appearances in all competitions, completing 90 minutes just once.