Chelsea could compete with London rivals Arsenal for the signature of West Ham’s Declan Rice in the summer, according to The Telegraph.
The two clubs seem to have shared several names in their transfer wish list in recent times.
Arsenal reportedly led the transfer race for Mykhailo Mudryk, before Chelsea eventually beat them to the Ukraine international’s transfer, and both clubs are said to have made unsuccessful attempts, at least so far, for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
It remains unclear whether either of the two sides will emerge victorious in the reported pursuit of Caicedo, given Brighton’s reluctance to sell the young midfielder, but they may soon battle each other for another top target.
The Telegraph claims that regardless of the outcome of the race for Caicedo, Arsenal still consider Rice their top summer target.
Chelsea, of course, have long been linked with the England international.
Like Arsenal, Chelsea plan to revamp their midfield with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho entering the final months of their contracts at the club.
It is pretty clear considering the two clubs’ rejected bids for Caicedo, although it remains to be seen whether, like Arsenal, Chelsea will prioritise a move for Rice, who is said to be valued at around £70million.
Before their reported move for Caicedo, the Blues had been in negotiations with Benfica for Argentinean midfielder, Enzo Fernandez.
The Portuguese club’s refusal to budge from their high asking price seemed to have ended the talks, but Chelsea, who have shown that they are prepared to spend big to rebuild their squad, could always return with an improved bid.
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