Chelsea have made a Declan Rice transfer pursuit hint despite interest from Thomas Tuchel over a potential move this summer, according to reports.
The Blues have held a long-term interest in the midfielder in recent years, with the 23-year-old spending eight years at the Cobham academy before departing for West Ham in 2014.
He has since become one of the best players in the Premier League in his position, helping his side to reach a top seven finish in the league and the Europa League semi-finals last season.
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Tuchel rates the England international very highly, therefore suggesting the Blues could be ready to make a move for him this summer.
However there is also the belief that this may not be the case, with the club dropping a hint about their midfield options for next season.
According to the Telegraph, a senior source has revealed the club’s plans for the transfer market in the coming weeks and months.
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They said: “The key is to basically work with Tuchel to come up with the best players that are available. We really want to make sure we have a good defence. We've got depth in midfield. We're not desperate for an out-and-out striker.
“Fortunately, there's reasonable opportunities in the market right now in order to satisfy the fans' desire to be competitive. I think it's a combination of moves and there's five or six that we're going to look to make.”
Therefore, Chelsea may not be looking to sign any more midfielders ahead of the new campaign, with question marks still being raised over whether or not Rice will make the switch from east to west London.
The Blues already have the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic at their disposal in the midfield positions.
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They will also be welcoming Conor Gallagher back to the side for pre-season, with the 22-year-old having a hugely successful campaign on loan at Crystal Palace last season.
Other reports have also strengthened the suggestion that they may not be eyeing midfield signings this summer, with the club looking to use the market to strengthen their attack and defence.
Tuchel has been promised up to six new signings this summer, with the club keen to push for a Premier League title challenge next season and compete in the various domestic and continental cup competitions.
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Jules Kounde and Raheem Sterling have both been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea prepare to begin their business in the market.
Topics: Declan Rice, Chelsea, West Ham United, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
Robert Calcutt