West Ham star Declan Rice looks set to leave the club this summer as sides continue to track a potential move for the England international. It comes as the Hammers captain has just over one-year remaining on his current contract at the London Stadium, with a new deal seeming unlikely.
Chelsea have been long-term admirers of Rice, who used to be part of the academy setup at Cobham before he was released and followed his career at West Ham. Arsenal have joined the race to land the 24-year-old as Mikel Arteta looks to add to his ranks in the midfield.
Rice has even admitted to his desire to step up to the next phase of his career, saying during the World Cup last year: “I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”
READ MORE: Chelsea striker drops injury update with cryptic message amid Todd Boehly transfer dilemma
That's just another hint that indicates at the possibility of a transfer in a few months, with the Hammers likely to let the midfielder leave before he exits on a free. However, there may be more than just one incentive involved in any transfer decision in the months to come.
That's because the Telegraph reports that West Ham have included relegation clauses in the players' contracts that will see their wages slashed if the side do drop into the Championship. West Ham currently sit 17th in the Premier League. The report states it is unclear whether all the squad have that as part of their deal, but it could be yet another reason Rice may be incentivised to leave the club.
It remains to be seen exactly how the transfer saga will play out by the end of the summer, however it appears as though all things are pointing towards Rice making his big move.
READ NEXT:
Mykhailo Mudryk set for new Chelsea role as 10-minute cameo sends clear message to Graham Potter
Graham Potter set crucial Chelsea challenge to secure Todd Boehly Champions League ambition
Joao Felix, Reece James, Thiago Silva: Chelsea injury news and return dates after Leicester win
Chelsea's next six Premier League fixtures compared to Liverpool, Man Utd and Tottenham
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
