Chelsea are yet to make any real moves in the summer transfer market this year, with a single signing still to arrive.
The Blues continue to be linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and despite previous reports suggesting that they have agreed personal terms with the Norwegian striker, he remains with the Bundesliga giants.
Nevertheless, Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia has reportedly begun work on the Blues’ first significant signing of the window having submitted an enquiry for West Ham United’s Declan Rice.
That is according to journalist Dean Jones, who made the claims on The Football Terrace YouTube show.
He said: “Let’s call it an informal enquiry. Chelsea are definitely going to go to West Ham and say what’s it going to take. They’re going to do it because they want to know.
“Even if they don’t decide to pursue it after that point, they need to get the ball rolling, they need to know how possible it is and they know that the player wants to come.”
It is certainly not the first time that the Blues have been linked with the West Ham United midfielder.
Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was thought to be a big admirer of the England man with it also being reported that his replacement Thomas Tuchel had renewed the club’s interest.
As a matter of fact, Lampard has never hidden his admiration of the 22-year-old having previously pursued a move. Speaking in April, he said: “He’s a leader and it is clear that he’s destined for great things.
“I have probably given it away with how I spoke about him, but I think it’s common knowledge that I was a big fan of his."
Chelsea’s latest signal of intent comes after Rice has enjoyed both an impressive season for both club and country.
He at first played a key role for the Hammers as they secured a place in the Europa League for next season under David Moyes, whilst he also managed to carry that onto the international stage.
Alongside Kalvin Phillips, he was first-choice under England boss Gareth Southgate for Euro 2020 and impressed as the Three Lions reached the final of the tournament.
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