Declan Rice’s price tag could spoil Chelsea’s plans for landing the West Ham United midfielder this summer despite Thomas Tuchel’s long-standing interest.
The England international is believed to be one of the top names on the shopping list for the Chelsea boss who is looking to add to his midfield options in the ongoing transfer window by bringing in a quality new signing.
West Ham United’s £150m asking price for their star first-team regular, however, is expected to play spoilsport to Chelsea stepping up the chase for Rice who is a former academy graduate from the Stamford Bridge ranks, according to The Times.
There are other options on Tuchel’s shortlist in the form of AS Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni but recent developments indicate that the highly-rated Frenchman is closing in on making the move to Spanish champions Real Madrid.
Chelsea’s midfield roster is likely to see some outgoings this summer with loan signing Saul Niguez headed back to Atletico Madrid and uncertainty remaining over the long-term future of maestro Jorginho.