Chelsea are reportedly keen on a summer move to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice in the summer, even with Arsenal currently leading the race for the England international.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, the Blues have been in contact with people close to the 24-year-old midfielder in an attempt to convince Rice to sign for Chelsea, a club the West Ham star came through as during his youth career before being released.
Since leaving west London, Rice has established himself as a regular for the England national team and one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. And now, Arsenal are looking to sign the £100m-rated superstar in the summer as reported by the Daily Mail.
With Mikel Arteta looking to spend big on a central midfielder in the summer, Rice could be the perfect option for the Gunners as Arsenal look set to return to the UEFA Champions League, a competition the West Ham star is keen to play in.
Indeed, Rice could be a realistic signing for Arsenal, yet interest from Chelsea will always be an issue given Todd Boehly’s reckless method of spending in the last 12 months. And for Phillips, the Blues could be plotting a scheme to bring the West Ham star to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
The journalist said: “Declan Rice still tops the list, as far as I’ve been told. But with Declan Rice, they’re putting down the groundwork foundations. They are speaking to people close to him letting him know they’re there and that they are going to be making a move for him in the summer.”
Arsenal will be keen to beat Chelsea to Rice signing
Having lost out on Mykhailo Mudryk in January, Arsenal will be resigned to being beaten by Chelsea in the transfer window to a major deal again, and given the importance of a central midfielder, the Gunners will want to do all they can to sign Rice in the summer.
As we know, the West Ham star is a prime target for Arsenal, and with Chelsea starting to restart their interest in the midfielder, the north London side must do everything possible to be the Blues to the England international, who could be perfect for Arteta’s system.
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