---
title: "Chelsea: Blues have ‘already started laying’ groundwork for Declan Rice"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/declan-rice-chelsea-transfer-latest-groundwork/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2023-02-08T08:11:19Z"
modified: "2023-02-08T08:11:19Z"
---

# Chelsea: Blues have ‘already started laying’ groundwork for Declan Rice

**[Chelsea](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/chelsea-fc-news/) have ‘already started laying down some groundwork’ to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer, according to reports.**

### The Lowdown: Rice attracting Chelsea’s interest…

The England international has been [attracting interest](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/arsenal-chelsea-declan-rice-transfer-26165820) from [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) leaders Arsenal alongside the Blues as both clubs aim to further enhance their midfield options.

Despite the [marquee signing](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/12799395/enzo-fernandez-to-chelsea-blues-agree-premier-league-record-105m-transfer-deal-for-benfica-midfielder) of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez last week, the west Londoners and owner Todd Boehly are thought to be [targeting Rice](https://www.givemesport.com/88112423-chelsea-transfer-news-graham-potter-caicedo-rice-aubameyang-stamford-bridge) heading into this summer.

The 24-year-old has been in [brilliant form](https://www.the42.ie/declan-rice-could-break-british-transfer-record-and-eclipse-chelseas-e119-million-man-5988402-Feb2023/) for an under-performing West Ham side, and with his contract slowly running down towards its [June 2024 expiry](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/declan-rice/profil/spieler/357662), it’s entirely possible that he could be on the move this year.

### The Latest: Chelsea have ‘already started’ laying Rice groundwork…

According to journalist Simon Phillips, writing for [GiveMeSport,](https://www.givemesport.com/88112423-chelsea-transfer-news-graham-potter-caicedo-rice-aubameyang-stamford-bridge) Chelsea have ‘already started laying down some groundwork’ to sign Rice ahead of a proposed summer move.

While there will be ‘serious competition’ from London rivals Arsenal, Phillips has also shared ‘more optimism this week’ that the Blues can land the 24-year-old.

### The Verdict: Perfect player for Chelsea?

Rice will be expensive, with some reports suggesting that West Ham could be set to demand as much as [£120m](https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1622575227267072000) for the signature of their prized asset.

[Homegrown tax](https://www.90min.com/in/posts/5296609-why-are-english-footballers-so-expensive-we-give-you-four-reasons-which-explain-the-trend) and his status as a [proven Premier League player](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/declan-rice/detaillierteleistungsdaten/spieler/357662) will have contributed to such an eye-watering demand, but the figures suggest that the 24-year-old is justifying such a valuation.

As per [WhoScored,](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/29/Show/England-West-Ham) the Three Lions ace stands out as West Ham’s best performer in the league this season and averages a higher rate of intercepted passes per 90 than anyone in their squad.

Named club captain last year [after Mark Noble’s retirement](https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/declan-rice-west-ham-england-24623803), Rice has also gone on to add [goals (one) and assists (two)](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/29/Show/England-West-Ham) in the top flight under David Moyes.

The colossal midfielder has been called a [‘force of nature’](https://twitter.com/_Rob_B/status/1586808260719366144) by members of the press who hold him in very esteem following several years of heroics at the London Stadium.

Chelsea may well attempt to whittle down his £120m price tag but could still have to pay a marquee sum for such a brilliant player.