Chris Sutton thinks 24-year-old linked with Chelsea is struggling this season

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Chris Sutton has questioned the form this season of West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice, who’s been linked as a Chelsea transfer target.

Declan Rice, 24, is a key player for both club and country.

The all-action central midfielder has been linked with a potential move to Stamford Bridge. Fabrizio Romano recently explained on YouTube that Chelsea and Arsenal are both interested in signing Rice from West Ham. The general feeling is that this summer could be the time for him to leave the London Stadium, too.

Despite his obvious quality, pundit Chris Sutton thinks Rice’s form has dropped off this season in West Ham colours.

“Rice has not had the greatest season for West Ham but he is so important to England. He protects the back line and steals possession in midfield, albeit I’d like to see him a little snappier on the ball,” Sutton told the Daily Mail.

We agree that Rice hasn’t been on his A-game every week this season, but he’s playing in a struggling West Ham side that are one of so many Premier League teams in a relegation fight.

He’s shown in the past he can operate on the highest stage as a quality midfielder.

It’s a good chance during this next week to regain some form as he prepares for England’s games against Italy and Ukraine. Incidentally, Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has shared this week he’s a big fan of Rice.

We can’t wait to see how Chelsea’s midfield takes shape next season.

For certain, Enzo Fernandez is going to be a pivotal figure in any XI that Graham Potter designs. Who will join him, though?

The combination of Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic is beginning to perform after a string of appearances together in the past month. Meanwhile, N’Golo Kante’s return from injury is close and he will add another dimension.

The Blues need to weigh up whether or not it’s worth spending big again on another central midfielder.