Chelsea newcomer Enzo Fernandez reveals how Declan Rice inspires him as David Moyes sets transfer fee for West Ham star
Enzo Fernandez, new boy and British transfer record from CHELSEA, has admitted he has watched West Ham and England star Declan Rice improve as a midfielder.
Fernandez, 22, joined the Blues in a £107million transfer on deadline day following his December triumphs.
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The Argentine made his debut in Friday’s 0-0 draw against Fulham and faithfully impressed Stamford Bridge.
Despite Todd Boehly and co having spent more than £600million since arriving last year, the Blues will continue to inject money as another big summer transfer window is expected.
One of the positions rumored to be strengthened is midfield.
Finding a player to support Fernandez in the middle of the park is crucial.
And West Ham captain Rice, 24, is a player Chelsea have long admired, dating back to the days when Roman Abramovich owned the club.
Rice was even a former Chelsea Academy player – but was sacked at the age of 14 before joining the Hammers, where he has blossomed into one of football’s biggest talents.
Fernandez has even admitted to watching Rice BEFORE making a major move to Chelsea.
The midfielder admitted he’s trying to watch the Hammers and England stars “and learn”.
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He said during the World Championship: “I try to watch as much football as possible and learn a little bit from everyone.
“I like Rice of England, I try to watch him and learn.”
However, West Ham boss David Moyes has warned that a club will have to break Fernandez’s transfer record to get their hands on Rice.
Rice was one of West Ham’s standout players in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
After the game, Moyes said: “I thought he was a top player in the first half, he really was.
“Showed so many things and it’s undoubtedly interesting Declan will be a top player and will undoubtedly be a UK transfer record if he ever leaves West Ham and more.”
Moyes expects a future sale of Rice to blow Fernandez’s transfer “out of the water”.
The Scot continued: “I hope it’s not that [an inevitable departure]. I hope he sees his time here [at West Ham].
“Look, there’s a lot of talk about it and it’s just important when you see what’s going on with prices.
“I think Declan will blow that out of the water, that’s for sure when the time comes.”
Rice’s contract at London Stadium runs until the summer of 2024, but the Hammers have the option to extend it for another year.
Arsenal are also big admirers of Rice and even Real Madrid have shown an interest in the player.
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https://www.the-sun.com/sport/7312551/chelsea-enzo-fernandez-declan-rice-west-ham-transfer/ Chelsea newcomer Enzo Fernandez reveals how Declan Rice inspires him as David Moyes sets transfer fee for West Ham star