Transfer: West Ham pick Chelsea flop as Declan Rice’s replacement

West Ham have identified Chelsea flop, Denis Zakaria as a replacement for departing Declan Rice.

The Irons are getting set to lose their captain Rice who has been heavily linked with Arsenal and could end up at Manchester City this summer.

While Arsenal are preparing to table a third offer for the England international, reports have emerged that Manchester City are close to signing the player.

They face strong competition from the Citizens who are set to submit their own bid to David Moyes, with West Ham holding out for at least £100m.

Manchester United also remain interested but Chelsea are not, with their focus on Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

Regardless of the club he joins, his departure from the London Stadium is inevitable and as such West Ham must find a suitable replacement soon.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano said that the Hammers are among many clubs interested in Zakaria’s services, with Chelsea opting not to trigger the buyout clause in the Juventus’ midfielder’s contract.

The 26-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge on loan on deadline day last summer and looked more than capable in the few chances he was given – only 11 appearances in all competitions, completing 90 minutes just once