Ex-Chelsea midfielder Ramires believes his former club should focus their efforts on recruiting Jude Bellingham rather than signing West Ham captain Declan Rice next summer.

The Blues have had a longstanding interest in the Hammers star but, when asked which player Graham Potter’s side should go after, Ramires said that Bellingham was the better option:

“Bellingham and Declan Rice have both been linked with moves to Chelsea in the past. If it was up to me and I had to choose out of the two to sign for the club, I’d go with Bellingham.”

If Chelsea do end up devoting their time and resources to buying Bellingham, the decision would be very much welcomed by West Ham.

While there are other teams interested in Rice, including Manchester United and Liverpool, it is widely believed that the midfielder would prefer to return to the club where he started out life in the academy.

If the Blues’ interest does fade, there may be a better chance of the Irons succeeding in contract talks with the player. Despite numerous attempts to tie down the 23-year-old for the long term, he has rejected every new offer that has come his way. His current deal runs out in 2024, but the club do have an option to keep him for an extra year.