Reports have claimed that Bayern Munich manager Declan Rice has personally spoken to West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice about signing him this summer.
According to Sky Sports, the German is looking to get a deal done that would beat off any Premier League opposition, including that of Chelsea.
The name of Rice has been mentioned for numerous years now as a potential target for a midfielder at Stamford Bridge, after he left the academy before becoming a professional.
He has seemingly got the seal of approval from a current Blue too. Enzo Fernandez has already claimed he would love to form a midfield duo with the England international.
This summer, it is widely expected that Rice will finally be on the move, with elite sides queuing up to try and sell their project to him.
Tuchel has spoken to Rice
It seems as if Arsenal are the favourites right now to secure a deal, off the back of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in a number of seasons.
However, it seems as if Tuchel is trying to convince him of a move outside of England, offering the prospect of the recently crowned champions of Germany.
It is so far unclear where Rice’s preferences lie as he prepares for what is certain to be the biggest move in his career, and he may look to how his England teammate Jude Bellingham has thrived off his own move to Germany in recent years.
The teenager is now set to move to Real Madrid for next season, with Chelsea set to lose out on that midfield target.
However, they do look set to have put themselves in a great position to strengthen their midfield ranks with the addition of Manuel Ugarte.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
