Glen Johnson believes his former club Chelsea should go ‘all out’ for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer and has responded to speculation linking Neymar with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have made two major signings so far this summer, adding England forward Raheem Sterling and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly to Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The Blues are also in advanced talks with Sevilla over a £55m deal for Jules Kounde but Johnson wants Chelsea to make more investments and lure Rice from West Ham.
Chelsea’s interest in Rice dates back to when Frank Lampard was in charge but Tuchel is also believed to be an admirer of the 23-year-old.
Rice spent almost a decade in Chelsea’s academy before joining West Ham at the age of 15 and has developed into the Hammers’ most important player in recent seasons, seeing his value rock towards £100m.
‘I think Chelsea should go all out for Rice before the deadline,’ Johnson told Genting Casino. ‘They’re quite active this window and everyone knows they are interested in Rice.
‘If they really wanted to do it they would have done it already, and I find it strange that it is taking so long.
‘Rice’s impact at West Ham is huge. No team wants to lose their best player. He’s the main man and is the key to everything they do but I think we all know the clock is ticking for his time being at West Ham.’
Johnson, who spent four years at Chelsea, has also given his take on the speculation linking Neymar with a move to west London.
‘If Chelsea can sign him for a sensible deal then, someone like Neymar would obviously be a good signing,’ Johnson added.
‘He is a world class player. Whether it is realistic or not, I’m not sure but if they can get it over the line for something sensible then it’s a no brainer.’
Chelsea finished third in the Premier League last season, 19 points behind champions Manchester City. Tuchel’s side begin their 2022-23 campaign on August 7 against Everton.
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