Chelsea are reportedly the favorite to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice during the summer transfer window.
The Blues have long admired the England international, who spent time in the Blues academy as a youngster before joining the Hammers.
Rice has now blossomed into one of the world’s most highly rated midfielders, appearing in 215 games for West Ham in all competitions.
However, with the East London club having the option to extend Rice’s contract until 2025 if they so desire, a move away from the club has never materialised.
However, according to The Athletic, Rice has no plans to extend his contract and wants to play Champions League football.
According to the report, the West Ham hierarchy have now accepted that they may need to sell their most prized asset during the summer transfer window.
Although West Ham could theoretically earn Champions League football next season, David Moyes’ side are 15 points adrift of the qualification spots and more concerned with avoiding relegation.
While Chelsea is currently eight points behind fourth place, it is thought that they would have the upper hand in any transfer battle.
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Rice has previously supported and spent time at the club, and the latest development comes at a time when Chelsea will almost certainly be looking for new midfielders ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are both out of contract at the end of the season, and Chelsea may take advantage of the opportunity to get two players over 30 off their payroll.
Chelsea are also unlikely to exercise their permanent option to sign Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria, potentially leaving Graham Potter three players short in that department.
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