The Blues reinforced their midfield with Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos in January and they are eyeing another marquee signing.

Rice has been on their radar for several years and Florian Plettenberg claims that they are ready to make an approach this summer.

The England international effectively has two years remaining on his West Ham contract and he has no plans of extending his stay.

Hence, the Hammers are expected to sanction his departure and Chelsea are aiming to lure their former graduate back to west London.

However, it won't be a straightforward challenge for them, considering Arsenal are also keen on landing the 24-year-old.

The north London giants have identified Rice as their top target for the summer and are set to compete with the Blues for him.

Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked with Rice in the past, but they are currently focused on Jude Bellingham .

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