Chelsea have seemingly received a boost in their quest to sign Declan Rice next summer, with renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that the England international will leave West Ham following recent quotes from the player.

The Lowdown: Rice linked with Chelsea

The midfielder has matured into a key figure for both club and country, and he was recently touted as a possible future captain of the Three Lions, having started all three of England's games at the 2022 World Cup games so far.

Rice is reportedly wanted by some of the top clubs in the country and Chelsea have been linked with a move for him numerous times in recent weeks and months.

There is a feeling that the 23-year-old may have outgrown West Ham, and a new update adds weight to that notion.

The Latest: Move expected in 2023

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that Rice would leave the east London club for a bigger challenge next summer, following on from recent comments made by the West Ham captain.

Sharing a video clip from Football Daily, Romano tweeted:

"Declan Rice: 'I see my friends who play in the Champions League, winning the big trophies. You only get one career and at the end of your career you want to look at what you've won'.

"Expectation is for Rice to leave West Ham in 2023."

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The Verdict: Chelsea in pole position?

It is common knowledge that Rice was a Chelsea supporter as a youngster, and there is continued hope that this will put the Blues in pole position to sign him, along with his close friendship with Mason Mount.

Champions League football will surely need to be achieved for that to happen, though, with the Irons skipper clearly hinting that he wants to test himself against the best players in the world regularly.

Rice could be a wonderful addition to the Blues' midfield - he has been hailed as 'magnificent' by Gary Lineker - with his pace, power and leadership adding a spark in an area where Chelsea currently have some ageing operators.