Thomas Tuchel has finally been handed the ultimatum that warrants why Chelsea should put all their eggs in one basket ahead of the summer transfer window. The Blues have been heavily linked with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Declan Rice this season, with the German boss looking to strengthen his midfield.
But, the west Londoners have been handed a damning blowing to their efforts following Real Madrid's latest breakthrough. According to a report from Spanish publication AS, Carlo Ancelotti's side have 'decided to go after' the 22-year-old and negotiations between the club and Monaco have seen 'advances in recent weeks.'
Chelsea opted against signing the France international in the summer because the club felt as if the midfielder could have done with another 12 months of development, as per The Athletic. Tuchel's side have since paid the price for their reluctance to pull the trigger on a player who has been identified as the perfect heir to Casemiro's thrown.
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The Blues look as if they have an eye-watering distance to make up before they can rival the Spanish giants for the £83m-rated midfielder, despite having once led the race. While the west Londoners have paid the price for their naivety, the club have been unable to advance their interest following the UK Government's decision to sanction Roman Abramovich.
The licence issued by the Government to enable the Blues to keep playing meant Chelsea could not sign or sell players or enter into contract talks with existing players on their books, which meant the west Londoner's pursuit of midfield reinforcements came to a halt. And, amid the speed in which reports tying Tchouameni to Real Madrid unravel, the Blues boss has been given the green light he needs to shift his focus.
Chelsea must now look to put all their eggs in one basket in the race to sign Rice from West Ham. The 23-year-old has now turned down a third contract renewal proposal from the Hammers and is open to a move in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Tuchel is said to love the England international, according to The Athletic, with the pair set to lock horns at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Blues' clash with the Hammers offers prospective owners of the west London club the perfect opportunity to watch Rice first-hand.
