West Ham want to sign Chelsea star as potential replacement for Arsenal-linked Declan Rice - Reports
West Ham United are reportedly targeting Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher as a potential replacement for Arsenal target Declan Rice. The English midfielder is likely to leave the Hammers this summer after rejecting multiple contract offers.
According to the Evening Standard (h/t Metro), the London-based giants could fetch around £100 million for Rice, with Chelsea and Liverpool also interested. They apparently want to use this money to sign two midfielders, with Gallagher and Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips on their wishlist.
Rice, 24, is the captain of West Ham and has featured in every Premier League game this season. His importance in David Moyes' starting XI cannot be overstated, so it's imperative they bring in replacements if he leaves.
Rice has been on the Hammers' books since 2013 when he joined their youth set-up from Chelsea's academy. After nearly a decade with the Hammers, he could now seek greener pastures.
Gallagher and Phillips, meanwhile, are full England internationals but are struggling for consistent playing time at their respective club. Gallagher, 23, has started just 13 games across competitions for Chelsea this season.
Phillips (27), meanwhile, could feel like he's wasting the best years of his career on Manchester City's bench. He has played just 354 minutes of first-team football in 14 games across competitions this term.
To attract players of their ilk, West Ham will first have to ensure they're in the Premier League next season. Moyes' side are 14th in the standings with just 30 points from 29 games - three more than 18th-placed Nottingham Forest, who have played a game more.
Arsenal have Premier League fate in their own hands
If Arsenal win all their remaining games, they will walk away with the Premier League title for the first time in 19 years.
A 2-2 draw at Anfield against Liverpool on Sunday (April 9) has afforded Manchester City added hope. The Cityzens trail the Gunners by six points with a game in hand and host the league leaders at the Etihad on April 26.
A draw there will be seen as a win in the eyes of many Arsenal fans, who haven't seen their team beat City in the league since December 2015. The Gunners have no other competition to focus on this season apart from the Premier League.
The Cityzens, meanwhile, are still active in the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. If they make the finals of both competitions, they will play 16 games before the end of the season. By comparison, Arsenal only have eight games left.