On Thursday evening, Declan Rice put in an outstanding performance as West Ham United drew 1-1 with Lyon in the Europa League. The England international was 'typically excellent' for the Hammers as he continues to impress on the European stage.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who has just over two years remaining on his West Ham contract, is a target for Chelsea, football.london understands. After being released by the Blues as a teenager, Rice has continuously been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge with his swift progress for the Irons.
However, it's understood that West Ham will not entertain any bids for Rice in the upcoming summer transfer window and are determined to keep hold of their star midfielder. When speaking back in October, David Moyes claimed that any club interested in Rice missed out on a bargain by not signing the Englishman for £100m.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel embraces Jose Mourinho's Chelsea stance to deliver candid Southampton concerns
Speaking to Sky Sports, Moyes said: "There was a bargain to be got with Declan at £100m. That bargain has now gone.
"We have a lot of really good players at this football club, and I think while you're building and developing, I think people might always come and look at your players. But it is good that they are because that is telling us that they're doing well."
Rice's performances this season has seen him deservedly receive mass plaudits, with some even labelling him as the best midfielder in the world. Jack Wilshere is the latest to say this.
The former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder tweeted during the Hammers' 1-1 draw with Lyon on Wednesday, saying: "Tell me a better DMF than Declan Rice right now? Can't think of anyone who can do what Dec can...". He added: "Busquets is the only one three or four years ago. And remember, he played in a team that dominated possession in every game. Decs job is harder in this team. He could play in any team in Europe. Fact. Let's hope it's Arsenal."
Wilshere clearly wants his beloved Arsenal to move for Rice, but the reality is that Chelsea are the London club holding an interest in his services. Of course, there's the small matter of finding a new owner before the Blues can even think about transfer business this summer, but there is some hope that the situation will be resolved before the end of the season.
If Chelsea are in a position to move for Rice in the summer transfer window, the midfielder may find it difficult to say no. In fact, Rice has already revealed who he would love to play with in midfield at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking in February to BT Sport, Rice was asked to name his top five midfielders, and he said this: "Mateo Kovacic... he is incredible. You don't really realise how good he is until you play against him.
"He can take the ball in tight areas, his dribbling ability is incredible, he can find a pass, he can control games, fairly quick as well. He's always been a tough opponent to play against."
Where would Rice fit in at Chelsea?
Right now, Thomas Tuchel has Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Saul Niguez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as his central midfield options. Barkley looks set to leave the club in the summer transfer window, with the former Everton midfielder way down in the pecking order at the club.
Jorginho and Kante have also been linked with moves away from Chelsea. Both midfielders have just over 12 months remaining on their respective contracts, and the Blues could look to cash in on at least one of them this summer.
Of course, Conor Gallagher looks set to return to Chelsea following his impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace. Rice looks like an ideal fit for the Blues right now.
While also being more than capable while in possession, his defensive abilities are something Tuchel could have done with on Wednesday evening as Chelsea fell to a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League. Tuchel has already lavished praise on Rice's abilities when speaking in December last year.
The German coach said: "I am absolutely aware that he is a Chelsea boy, and he comes through the academy, and he is very close to our guys. He's a very strong player, and in general, I am absolutely impressed by [Tomas] Soucek and him and what they have done since I came into the Premier League. What they do for West Ham."
