Declan Rice is ‘not going to Chelsea’ as new Arsenal information revealed – pundit
Frank McAvennie has claimed Declan Rice won’t join Chelsea because of his friendship with Mason Mount.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said the “ideal scenario” would be Mount and Rice playing together at Stamford Bridge.
On 24 March, sources told this site that Arsenal are still in pole position to sign the 24-year-old this summer but the Blues are still interested in pursuing a deal.
The midfielder’s priority is to remain in London if he quits West Ham this summer.
Rice’s current contract at the London Stadium runs until 2024 and includes the option of a further 12 months.
But the England international has already rejected multiple new contract attempts and made clear his ambitions to play for a club that is competing in the Champions League and at the top of the Premier League.
Earlier this month (18 March), Football Insider revealed that Mount has been told by Chelsea that he is able to find a new club this summer.
The 24-year-old is out of contract in 2024 but has been unsatisfied with the latest contract offer from the Blues that would see him earn £180,000-per-week.
McAvennie suggested Rice wouldn’t want to force Mount out of Stamford Bridge.
“Him and Mason Mount are friends so he is not going to go to Chelsea,” he told Football Insider.
“He would not do that to his pal. If he was going there and Mount was getting kicked out. You would not do that.
“He would not want to fall out with his friend.
“I would have liked to see the two of them playing together, that would have been the ideal scenario. But he’s leaving, and that will happen now.”
In other news, Chelsea readying £100m striker bid as Champions League plan revealed.