Chelsea target Declan Rice will have 'unfinished business' at Stamford Bridge as the Blues continue to target the 24-year-old ahead of a potential summer move, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has informed GIVEMESPORT.

Rice spent eight years in Chelsea's youth ranks before moving to West Ham United in 2014 and now is at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war for his signature between multiple elite clubs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Declan Rice?

The Guardian have reported that England international Rice is being chased heavily by both Arsenal and Chelsea and could become the most expensive British player of all time if any deal is agreed upon for his signature.

West Ham aim to accumulate over £100 million for Rice, though could be forced to sell him for as little as £80 million due to his contract expiring in the summer of 2024. There is an option for the Hammers to extend his deal until 2025; however, it is unclear whether they will look to trigger this clause.

Rice is said to be enthused by the prospect of working under Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, potentially giving Arsenal an advantage in future negotiations.

The Spaniard has impressed the West Ham midfielder with his coaching methods and Rice feels that he could improve considerably as a player under his stewardship.

Manchester United are also anticipated to be in the hunt for the Kingston upon Thames-born ace, signifying that Chelsea have their work cut out in convincing Rice that his future lies at Stamford Bridge.

What has Ryan Taylor said about Declan Rice?

Daily Express journalist Taylor thinks that reports suggesting Rice would favour a move to Arsenal are 'premature' while also stating that his boyhood affiliation with Chelsea could have a massive part to play in deciding his future.

Taylor told GMS: "I do personally think those reports are premature. I think you can't underestimate the influence that Rice is a boyhood Chelsea fan; his entire family are Chelsea fans and he spent eight or nine years with the club before being released as a 14-year-old.

"I think in his head, there will be an element of unfinished business there at Chelsea."

Would Rice provide long-term stability in midfield for Chelsea?

Undoubtedly, Rice is a very astute footballer that would be a key player for Chelsea or, indeed, any other elite Premier League club should he decide to move on from West Ham sooner rather than later.

In 2022/23, the enforcer has racked up 26 appearances for the Hammers across all competitions, claiming one goal and three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also notes that Rice has recorded a pass success rate of 89.4% this term, demonstrating his ability to circulate the ball purposefully with outstanding efficiency.

Of course, the fact he is a boyhood Chelsea fan will count as a massive bonus and should be used as something to lean on heavily in their pursuit. Despite this, the Blues also need to sell Rice a vision he cannot turn down, which will probably mean installing him as a critical player from the off if a transfer was to materialise.

Losing out to one of their Premier League rivals, Arsenal or Manchester United, would be a devastating blow for Graham Potter in his quest to conquer all in West London. It is up to him and the Chelsea board to make sure that doesn't happen, though it will be easier said than done.