Chelsea still looking to sign Declan Rice

Despite already splashing out £135million on new signings, Chelsea will continue to mount pressure on West Ham for Declan Rice.

Declan Rice has long been on Chelsea’s radar, but West Ham’s desperate desire to keep hold of their homegrown star has so far prevented the deal from happening.

Not many of Europe’s clubs have been more active in the transfer market than the Blues this summer, but Frank Lampard has no intention of putting the brakes on his free-spending campaign.

Having already shelled out around £135million on signing the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, and Ben Chilwell, Lampard is looking to complete another big-money move.

Indeed, the English manager has managed to persuade the Russian bigwig Roman Abramovich to allocate another £80million for the acquisition of Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz.

If the German prodigy does arrive at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s total investment for the summer will go past the £250million mark.

But, Havertz’s signing, if it happens, may not be Lampard’s last this summer, as he also looks to snatch Rice from West Ham, say the Express Sport.

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League and will command a hefty price tag.

According to various reports in England, the Hammers are reluctant to negotiate their star’s sale for less than £80million, although Chelsea remain hopeful of bringing down the price.

Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr have also joined the west London outfit, although they did not cost the Pensioners a dime given they were free agents.