Chelsea have enjoyed a ridiculously good transfer window.Finishing fourth last season was a massive achievement for Frank Lampard's side but few could have anticipated how big an impact it would have in the transfer market.Clubs in the Champions League have their pick of the best players in world football, and the Blues have certainly taken advantage of their seat at Europe's elite table.Lampard's side have spent over £200million so far this summer after enjoy a spending spree of the sort that's only ever seen on Football Manager.Deals for Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Kai Havertz and Edouard Mendy followed as the Blues look to make a real statement this term.Spending such sums of money suggests that Chelsea are plotting a title challenge this term.However four points from three games tells us that things haven't quite clicked among the club's new signings so far.It's suggested that Chelsea are still targeting one more signing this summer as they look to add the final piece of their jigsaw.
Of course the player we're talking about is Declan Rice.The West Ham star is a long-term target for the Blues and is being tipped to make the trip across London to join Lampard at Stamford Bridge.According to The Express, Chelsea are preparing to step up that interest.It's claimed that the Blues will test the water with a formal offer during the next week as they look to get a deal done.One man who has been following the deal closer is reporter Fabrizio Romano who claims that Chelsea are looking to offload players in order to fund a deal.
Taking to Twitter, Romano said: "Chelsea are still considering Declan Rice as their main target.
"Chelsea are now working to sell players then will try again to sign him.
"West Ham insist they won’t sell Rice on next days and “he’s gonna stay”.
"Not easy deal - but still on."
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
This is a deal that could rumble on until the very end of the transfer window.
It's no secret that Declan Rice is a long-term target for Chelsea, but the question mark remains over whether a deal can get done.
Valued at £44.55million by Transfermarkt, the West Ham star will not come cheap.
David Moyes' side are gearing up for a long, hard season and that will only be made worse if they lose their talisman.
That means that it will take a substantial offer to make the Hammers even consider cashing in.
Whether Chelsea see the value in splashing out a huge sum on the player remains to be seen, but if Frank Lampard sees him as the final piece of his jigsaw then they may have little choice but to splash out.