Chelsea are in line for a major setback in their pursuit of Declan Rice with the England midfielder keen on a move to city rivals Arsenal this coming summer.
Rice is certain to leave West Ham United at the end of the season and some of the country’s biggest clubs – Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea – were waiting eagerly in the wings for his coveted signature.
According to a report from The Daily Mirror, it is hinted that Arsenal could be the one walking away with the 24-year-old midfielder as West Ham are likely to sell their midfield mainstay if a Champions League club matches their £100m-plus valuation.
The Blues had been after Rice since last summer when the new ownership at Stamford Bridge had splashed cash on new signings to rebuild the squad but West Ham had been firm on their position of not allowing Rice to leave.
A year later, Chelsea are still in the market for reinforcements to bolster their engine room, however, Rice is not expected to be on the move to the Bridge where he had come through the youth ranks before signing for West Ham.
