Chelsea ready to battle Arsenal this summer for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice - Paper Round

Chelsea still in race for Rice Declan Rice had been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent months but The Sun reports that Chelsea’s interest has not dissipated. Instead, they are ready to challenge for his signature should he leave this summer, and could team him up with Enzo Fernandez in midfield.

Ad “Arsenal face fierce competition for summer transfer target Declan Rice with their London rivals chasing the midfielder,” the report begins. Premier League'Every club bar Real Madrid will want him’ – Cole on Rice’s future at West Ham10/02/2023 AT 11:08 “Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing the West Ham captain this summer to add to their growing list of new arrivals.

“Graham Potter’s side already splashed out a whopping £107million on Enzo Fernandez in January to sure up their midfield. “Rice is expected to leave the Hammers in the summer with his current contract due to expire in 2024.” Chelsea ready to let Mendy leave Despite his brilliant start at Stamford Bridge, Edouard Mendy has lost his spot to Kepa Arrizabalaga under Graham Potter, and the Senegalese stopper could be sold after a mammoth window of winter spending.

The Mirror states: “The Blues need to cut the number of players in Potter’s squad after heavy investment last summer and in January. Mendy, who was No.1 under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel but has fallen behind Kepa Arrizabalaga since Potter’s arrival, is among those for whom the Stamford Bridge hierarchy will listen to offers.

“The 30-year-old Senegal keeper is in the final 18 months of the contract he signed when he arrived from Rennes at Petr Cech’s behest in 2020. He quickly established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the top flight, keeping 16 clean sheets in his first season.