Chelsea's long-standing interest in Declan Rice is expected to finally be pursued in the summer as part of Todd Boehly's transfer policy at Stamford Bridge. The West Ham captain has been linked with a move away from the Hammers at the end of the season after reportedly turning down fresh terms at the London Stadium.
Rice's current deal expires at the end of next season and has been tipped to finally secure a move to one of Europe's biggest clubs after a number of impressive campaigns with West Ham. Since making his senior debut in May 2017, the 24-year-old has made more than 220 appearances for the east London outfit.
Two clubs who have both been strongly linked with acquiring Rice's services this summer are Chelsea and Arsenal. The England international was let go by the Blues at a young age and has long been linked with reuniting with best friend Mason Mount at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE: Mykhailo Mudryk aims sly dig at Arsenal over Champions League failure in Chelsea Instagram post
However, reports this month have indicated that Arsenal are in pole position to sign Rice this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options in midfield. The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League and are seeking a first league title since 2004.
Rice has already dropped a transfer exit hint this season, declaring his ambitions to play in the Champions League. "One hundred per cent, I want to play in the Champions League.
"For the last two or three years, I've been saying that. I've been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies," he added.
Now, former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet has urged Todd Boehly to beat Arsenal to Rice's signature this month rather than wait until the summer to ensure they fill the gaping hole left in midfield by N'Golo Kante. “I think Chelsea have been waiting to see what the situation is regarding the injury with [N’Golo] Kante, and because I don’t think they can see an end, I would buy Rice now." he told Online Betting World.
“I would even say yesterday, they should have gone and got him. Definitely there is a Chelsea with a top Kante at his best and a different one without him. I said it when he came from Leicester and the first year he played for Chelsea, for me he was the best central defensive midfield player in the world.
“Now I am still convinced that when you are missing a player like that for so long, first because he was played on the right by [Maurizio] Sarri, and then because of the injury, you must replace him.
“Nothing against Jorginho, [Mateo] Kovacic, nothing to do with that - we are talking about levels. I think it is important as well for the British side, you know the English side, as well in the midfield that you have that leader and for many years you can have such a good player.”
READ NEXT:
Graham Potter reveals ambition of new Chelsea signings amid calculated Todd Boehly transfer risk
Every word Graham Potter said on Liverpool vs Chelsea, Klopp, Mudryk, Madueke, James, Chilwell
Graham Potter makes claim on Mykhailo Mudryk debut versus Liverpool amid Noni Madueke transfer
Find the footballs on the football.london website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
