Chelsea could be set for another major blow on the transfer front this summer with Thomas Tuchel’s priority target Declan Rice poised to be handed a new and much-improved deal by his club West Ham United.
Reports from The Express claim that Rice, who is wanted by Tuchel at Stamford Bridge ahead of the start of the new season, could be set to extend his stay in the West Ham colours beyond the ongoing summer transfer window.
West Ham United are in line to offload their out-of-favour wide player Felipe Anderson to Serie A outfit Lazio for a meagre £5 million but saving the winger’s £5 wages is set to give David Moyes’ side some financial respite which they plan on using in extending a contract extension for their star midfield man Rice.
The England international, one of the best performers for the Euros runner-ups this summer, is a top target for both Chelsea and Manchester United and West Ham hope that offering him a new deal could fend off the interest shown in him by the Premier League heavyweight duo.
Rice has been eyed up by Chelsea since the summer of 2020 when under the charge of Frank Lampard whose successor to the Chelsea job Thomas Tuchel too have reignited interest in signing the 22-year-old defensive midfielder.
