Chelsea have received a response to their latest approach to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer as Thomas Tuchel looks to bolster his squad for the 2022/23 campaign.
The Blues are expected to be one of the busiest sides in the Premier League this summer as Todd Boehly looks to get his reign off to a fast start. The co-owner has personally encouraged the club to make contact with West Ham over the transfer of Rice, who was released from the Chelsea academy as a teenager.
Thomas Tuchel has apparently been promised £200 million for the summer, with as many as six signings potentially coming to Stamford Bridge. Jules Kounde, Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele have all been linked with moves to Chelsea this summer but Rice has been a target since breaking through with West Ham.
READ MORE: When Declan Rice to Chelsea transfer could be completed as £10m Jonathan Clauss bid stalls
The 23-year-old appeared 35 times for the Hammers in the Premier League last season and has become a regular in Gareth Southgate's England side too. As his stock continues to rise, so does his price tag, however, and West Ham do not want to sell unless their £150 million asking price is met.
Chelsea have not been put off a move, but according to 90Min, their latest approach has been rejected by their London rivals as they stick rigidly to their asking price. With Chelsea's budget standing at £200 million, it seems unlikely that they would spend 75 per cent of that on just one player.
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