Chelsea continue to be heavily linked with a transfer move for West Ham captain Declan Rice. The England midfielder impressed for the Three Lions throughout the World Cup before their tournament ended last week.
Mason Mount could be a key factor in helping the Blues secure a deal for Rice with both players being close friends since a young age after playing together in Chelsea's academy. The uncertain futures N'Golo Kante and Jorginho at Stamford Bridge could see Todd Boehly look to overhaul the midfield options available to Graham Potter.
Kante and Jorginho will have just six months left on their current deals in the new year with both players able to leave on a free transfer at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. Rice's contract with West Ham is set to expire in 18 months meaning the Hammers last chance to sell their star midfielder for a premium fee is either in January or next summer.
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Former Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit has urged the Blues to sign Rice if Kante leaves the club next summer. The west London outfit have also been linked with a move for Juventus star Weston McKennie, although the Old Lady are also said to be looking to secure a deal for Mount.
Speaking to Football Betting, Petit said: "McKennie is a good player and did a good job for USA at the World Cup, but there's only one player in that position who Chelsea need. That is Declan Rice."
Petit feels that Rice's talent is being 'held back' at West Ham with the Hammers captain having recently opened up on seeing his England teammates competing in the UEFA Champions League and for Premier League titles. Petit added: "Rice is brilliant.
"I feel he's being held back and is struggling to get to the next level at West Ham. Rice needs to play the best game every weekend and I have respect for West Ham but he needs to play with the best players every week.
"He's improved so much but he's struggling to get to the next stage. He must play Champions League football. If Kante goes, they have to go for Rice."
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