Chelsea have created a potential plan that could see them hijack Arsenal's approach for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer. The Hammers captain looks set to leave the club in the coming weeks as his contract enters the final two-years, signing off on a Europa Conference League triumph.
The England international has been coy on his future when asked about where it may lie, but Irons chairman David Sullivan has claimed that a move is likely. A host of teams have been linked with a switch, such as Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
football.london understands that Arsenal have made Rice their top priority for the summer window, but won't get drawn into a bidding war for him. The Gunners put in an opening offer to West Ham that was worth a total of £80million, £70million of which was guaranteed and £10million in add-ons.
The bid has been turned down, but seeing as it was the first offer, the north London club are expected to make another bid in the near future. Reports have also claimed that personal terms are advancing, with Mikel Arteta seemingly closing in on a deal for the 24-year-old.
The side won't be able to rest easy though as other teams continue to circle a move, with long-term admirers Chelsea also working in the background. The Blues famously pipped Arsenal to the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk in January and could look to do the same once again with Rice.
The Telegraph reports that the west London club are in contention for the England international, though a bid seems unlikely. Despite that being the case, the Blues have curiously asked West Ham to wait on a move for the midfielder, with the side required to move their own players on before they can make a move of their own.
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It could see Mauricio Pochettino line up with a midfield that could've started for Arsenal, with Moises Caicedo also heavily linked with the Gunners. However, it now seems as though the Brighton star is edging towards a switch to Stamford Bridge as confidence grows over a deal.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea could land a Rice and Caicedo double swoop on their foes this summer, but it would be a statement of intent if there ever was one.
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