Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel ‘is plotting an ambitious move for Declan Rice and sees him as a replacement for Joshua Kimmich’ as they battle Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool for the £100m-rated West Ham midfielder
- Bayern Munich are reportedly keen to try and sign West Ham’s Declan Rice
- The Hammers captain is expected to leave his club in the upcoming summer
- Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel apparently admires Rice’s defensive qualities
Bayern Munich are reportedly weighing up a summer move for England and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
Rice has been heavily linked with Arsenal who are putting together a £90million package to bring the defensive midfielder to the Emirates, but could face competition from Bayern.
The news comes after Munich’s star midfielder Joshua Kimmich was linked with a potential departure amid interest from recently-crowned LaLiga champions Barcelona.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel admires the defensive qualities that Rice brings on the pitch and has been working with club staff to put together a package to bring the Englishman to the Bundesliga, according to German outlet BILD.
Tuchel and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic have apparently been working on overhauling the squad ahead of the upcoming transfer window and have earmarked Rice as a potential addition.
Declan Rice has been linked with a potential summer move to join Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel (pictured) reportedly admires Rice’s defensive qualities
The midfielder has first-hand experience of playing against a Tuchel side during the German’s time manning the Chelsea dugout and could have a future playing under the 49-year-old.
Bringing in a world class number six is apparently one of Bayern’s key priorities and Rice fits the bill of being a physical and domineering midfielder.
He has made 46 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers this season and has helped take the club to within touching distance of the Europa Conference League final.
The 24-year-old would become one of the most high-profile exits from the English game if he chose to make the switch and would follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham who is currently at Borussia Dortmund but looks set for a move to Real Madrid.
However, the transfer fee that would cause West Ham to cash-in on their star player could prove to be a sticking point for the German giants.
Rice (left) is also wanted by Arsenal who are putting together a package for the midfielder
Meanwhile, Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich (middle) has reportedly emerged as a summer transfer target for Barcelona
Bayern’s existing transfer record stands at £68million after luring Lucas Hernandez to Germany from LaLiga outfit Atletico Madrid.
West Ham are demanding in excess of £100m for Rice and would likely reject any offer that fails to meet their valuation.
Rice’s ambition to play Champions League football would be met by joining Bayern Munich who last won Europe’s most prestigious club competition in 2020.
They could look to raise funds by selling Kimmich who’s existing contract runs until 2025 and is viewed as one of the world’s best talents.
