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Chelsea nightmare as priority signing to snub them as Arsenal, Man Utd and co circle
Chelsea have had a nightmare Premier League season and will miss out on European football next season, which could impact their summer transfer activity
Lampard breaks silence on Chelsea's Pochettino links
Chelsea could be posed with a nightmare scenario as priority signing Declan Rice is set to snub them for Arsenal, Manchester United or another Premier League rival. England international Rice has just 14 months left on his contract with boyhood club West Ham and looks certain to be sold this season.
West Ham reached the Europa League semi-final last season but have been drawn into a relegation battle this term and Mount is set to jump ship this summer. The England midfielder, who has played over 200 times for West Ham, has previously expressed his desire to leave the Hammers in pursuit of Champions League football.
"One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League,” he said. “For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that. I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.
“You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.” After a disappointing season Chelsea are without European football next season after crashing out of this season's competition after an 4-0 aggregate defeat over two legs by Real Madrid.
READ MORE: Arsenal 'decide next three signings' as Arteta goes off Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo
Mauricio Pochettino is favourite to become the new Chelsea boss this summer and a new transfer policy is set to be implemented at Stamford Bridge. According to The Times, Pochettino wants to focus on developing homegrown talent which, he sees as a crucial part of creating a culture at the club.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is looking to cut his spending this summer, but Rice could be one of five players they are eyeing up for a summer transfer move. However, now Chelsea are without Champions League football next season they face a nightmare scenario where Rice might snub them for a Premier League rival.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has the English midfielder top of his transfer list which would allow Rice to stay in London while fulfilling his ambition to compete for trophies. Liverpool could also join the bidding war for the England midfielder after adding him to their shortlist of summer targets.
West Ham might not let Rice go cheaply and have valued the midfielder at around £100million, which could put him out of range for most clubs in the top flight. Both Manchester United and Man City could also join the battle to acquire his signature as they look to boost their midfield this summer.