Declan Rice, a midfielder for West Ham United, is still a target for Chelsea, according to 90min, with new boss Mauricio Pochettino eager to work with the 24-year-old.
Pochettino has had many opportunity to talk about his goals for the summer transfer window, including his wish to see midfielder Mason Mount given a new contract, and is about to sign his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The long-standing interest of the Chelsea board in Rice was brought up in those discussions, and sources have confirmed to 90min that Pochettino would be eager to entice the West Ham player across London.
This summer, Chelsea is hoping to add a new midfielder. There are concerns about the futures of Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Conor Gallagher, and it is thought that strengthening in midfield is an important component of Pochettino's vision for the Blues, even as they continue to fight for a contract extension for N'Golo Kante.
Although Rice has two years left on his contract and would command a huge price even if he stayed at the London Stadium for an additional year, West Ham is willing to let him go but is aware of his value in the Premier League and would look for a fee of at least 100m to sell the midfielder.
With so many Premier League elite players interested in luring the England international away this summer, competition is high for Rice as well.
Rice is reportedly interested in moving to the Emirates, with Arsenal emerging as the top suitor. Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle have also expressed interest.
In terms of Chelsea, the Blues have a long list of midfield targets in addition to Rice and are well-known admirers of players like Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach and Romeo Lavia of Southampton.
Pochettino is also eager for Chelsea to strengthen in goal and at striker, since the Blues conducted scouting work in both areas well before Graham Potter was fired from his post as manager earlier this year.
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