Chelsea are not giving up in their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice but with Thomas Tuchel looking to bolster every area of his side this summer, they may need to box clever.
With both Jorginho and N'Golo Kante set to enter the final years of their contracts, the intention is to bolster their options with younger talent and Rice has been a long-term option. With Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour returning for pre-season, Tuchel is set to have more options but a new arrival is also in demand.
Chelsea were reportedly one of the clubs chasing Aurelien Tchouameni before Real Madrid won the race for the Frenchman and with Man City having an offer accepted for Kalvin Phillips, options are rapidly vanishing. Rice remains an option and new chairman Todd Boehly has made an approach for Rice a priority this summer despite the Hammers demanding £150 million.
READ MORE: When Declan Rice to Chelsea transfer could be completed as £10m Jonathan Clauss bid stalls
Chelsea have not been put off a move, but according to 90Min, their latest approach has been rejected by their London rivals as they stick rigidly to their asking price. With Chelsea's budget standing at £200 million, it seems unlikely that they would spend 75 per cent of that on just one player.
But they may not be made to do that just yet with Chelsea set to propose a swap deal. Striker Armando Broja and midfielder Ross Barkley are being considered as potential sweeteners for the deal, according to the report.
Last season saw Broja spend the campaign with Southampton where his strength and power impressed many onlookers. Thomas Tuchel is apparently eager to take a look at the Albanian in pre-season but the desire to sign Rice could prove too great, with the Hammers reportedly interested in the Chelsea asset as well.
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