Chelsea have identified a Serie A star as their main Declan Rice transfer alternative this summer as West Ham reportedly stand strong in their stance against selling him.
The Blues have long been admirers of a player they let go from their academy in his early days but have been unable to prise him away from the grips of the Hammers, who have played hardball with not just Chelsea, but also the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United, who have also shown interest in the England international in the past.
However, the current world champions' interest has persisted into this summer and it is understood that new owner Todd Boehly had wanted to make West Ham's No. 41 one of the first 'marquee' signings of his tenure. That accolade seems to be heading to Man City's Raheem Sterling, with confidence on both sides that a deal can be struck for the 27-year-old imminently, with some sources even claiming that the deal is 'done' already.
