Chelsea will 'definitely' be in the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the summer, journalist Simon Phillips has informed GIVEMESPORT.

The Blues have been extremely active in the transfer window this month, with Graham Potter confirming deals for Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, David Datro Fofana, Joao Felix, Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto.

Chelsea Transfer News - Declan Rice

Earlier this month, The Guardian reported that Chelsea were said to be interested in a blockbuster move for Rice, which could make him become the most expensive British player of all time.

West Ham are said to want more than £100 million for the 24-year-old; nevertheless, may have to settle for something closer to the £80 million mark due to his contract at the London Stadium expiring in 2024.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also monitoring Rice's situation, which could create a transfer saga over the coming months for his signature.

More recently, The Mirror has detailed that both Arsenal and Chelsea both put offers forward to bring in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo. However, this is not expected to affect their pursuit of Rice in the summer.

What has Simon Phillips said about Declan Rice?

Journalist Phillips believes that Chelsea will be one of the teams firmly in the hunt to sign Rice from West Ham, though doesn't expect the England international to decide on his future 'any time soon'.

Phillips told GMS: "It is one that Chelsea are definitely still going to be involved in, but the decision will all be down to Declan Rice and I think a lot will depend on what happens between now and the end of the season, with Arsenal with Chelsea, what other clubs come in.

"You know, Rice has made it clear he wants to play Champions League football and at the moment, Chelsea are sat in 10th position in the league, but they'll definitely be in the race, it will be a race and I don't expect Rice to make any decisions on that anytime soon."

Would Declan Rice be a good signing for Chelsea?

Undoubtedly, Rice is a gifted midfielder that would add some extra zest in midfield for Chelsea should a transfer to West London materialise in the future.

Becoming a key player for both West Ham and England over recent years, the 24-year-old has deservedly won adulation from fans and pundits alike for his consistent displays.

In 2022/23, Rice has made 26 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions, recording one goal and three assists, as per Transfermarkt. WhoScored also notes that in the Premier League, the anchor has recorded a pass success rate of 89.4%, showing his ability to circulate the ball with purposeful intentions.

Of course, there is plenty of onlookers that would like to bring Rice to their side in the summer. Nevertheless, Chelsea has the advantage of being the London-born ace's boyhood club, while he also spent eight years in their youth academy between 2006 and 2014.

Moving forward, Chelsea should look to capitalise on these facts and sell Rice a vision that he can't refuse at Stamford Bridge.