Chelsea have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent months and are prepared to bring Declan Rice back to the club next summer.
According to a report from journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are currently leading the race to sign 23-year-old English international Declan at the end of the season.
Rice has established himself as a key player for West Ham since joining the club, and he is currently one of the best defensive midfielders in England. The player has been integral to England’s success in the major tournaments in recent years. The 23-year-old was outstanding at UEFA Euro 2020 for the Three Lions, and he will look to impress in the World Cup over the next few weeks.
Chelsea are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, and Rice could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition. Recent reports have claimed that the Blues are ready to break the bank to sign the 23-year-old English international.
Key midfielder N’Golo Kante might leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, and Chelsea have not been able to agree on a contract extension with him. The 2018 World Cup winner has helped Chelsea win multiple trophies since joining the club, and Graham Potter will have to bring in a quality replacement.
Rice is well-settled in the Premier League and has the potential to develop into a world-class footballer. The 23-year-old could prove to be the ideal long-term replacement for Kante at Chelsea. It remains to be seen whether the Blues can agree on a fee with the Hammers.
The England international has a contract with West Ham until the summer of 2024, and the London club will be under pressure to cash in on him at the end of the season if he refuses to sign an extension. Recent reports have claimed that he is ready to leave West Ham next summer.
Chelsea released the youngster from their academy during his teenage years, and Rice could be determined to prove himself at Stamford bridge. He will feel that he has unfinished business at the London club, and a move to Chelsea appeals to him. So the west Londoners are the front-runners to land the 23-year-old English international.
A player of his quality deserves to play in the UEFA Champions League, and a move to Chelsea would provide him with the platform to showcase his talent in the European competitions consistently.
