Chelsea are reportedly keen on securing the signature of West Ham United captain Declan Rice this summer.
The 24-year-old is largely anticipated to leave the London Stadium during the forthcoming transfer window, with a number of Premier League clubs reportedly interested.
Arsenal are still heavily linked with the England international, while Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool are also said to be interested ahead of the summer transfer window.
The possibility of a return to Chelsea has faded in recent months, with the Blues splashing out big on Enzo Fernandez during the January transfer window.
According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Graham Potter’s side are “definitely in the race” for the Englishman, who is regarded as one of the club’s top summer targets.
Rice has again been a prominent player for West Ham during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring twice and providing four assists in 34 appearances.
The midfielder’s current contract with the Hammers expires in June 2024, but the club can trigger a one-year extension to keep him until 2025.
Rice is highly likely to leave this summer, with David Moyes’ side reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £100m.
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The Englishman spent seven years in Chelsea’s youth system before being released at the age of 14.
West Ham sporting director Mark Noble recently revealed that Rice could depart the London Stadium in the near future to pursue his dream of playing in the Champions League.
“Wherever Declan ends up, or however much someone pays for him, whether it’s here or anywhere else, he’s worth every penny,” he told the Evening Standard.
Rice told reporters at the 2022 World Cup that he ‘100% wants to play in the Champions League’ in the near future.
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