Former Blue Ramires has urged Chelsea to sign Jude Bellingham over Declan Rice with the midfield pairing on the transfer radar at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old has courted attention from some of the biggest clubs across Europe with recent speculation suggesting that it is Liverpool who could emerge as the winner for his signature at the end of the season.
Chelsea have been in the market for a new signing to reinforce their midfield ranks and their long-standing target Declan Rice could be available next summer with the maestro keen to leave West Ham United to make a move elsewhere.
The Blues, however, have been credited with an interest in the Borussia Dortmund starlet Bellingham despite the increasing competition for the teenage talent who has excelled at the World Cup in Qatar with England.
Speaking to CaughtOffside, ex-Chelsea man Ramires has said that Graham Potter’s side should prioritise a move for Bellingham over Rice with the former likely to continue his development in the Stamford Bridge fold.
“I’m always watching English football, and I’ve seen every England game so far in Qatar.
“They have so many exciting young players, but Jude Bellingham is the one for me. He’s the one boy who has caught my attention; I believe he’s on a different level altogether.
“Some of the guys that are coming through are incredible, but Jude is on a different level for me. I’ve been so impressed by him.
“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. I could see him carrying on his development at Chelsea, for sure. He’d absolutely be an amazing signing.”
