Chelsea plotting another huge signing this summer following Fernandez capture

Chelsea will be looking to kickstart their season when they visit German side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday. 

The Blues have won just three of their last 18 games across all competitions, and they will now be looking for a positive result to take into the second leg of their last 16 tie at Stamford Bridge.

Last time out, Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by London rivals West Ham United, a result that kept them in ninth place in the Premier League table.

Joao Felix had put the hosts ahead early on and Potter’s side dominated for the first 30 minutes, before former Blues defender Emerson Palmieri grabbed his first Hammers goal to level things up.

Both sides pushed for a winner but the game ultimately ended in a draw, although it appears that the two clubs could go head-to-head once again, this time off the pitch.

According to Football Insider, The Blues are still plotting a move for Hammers midfielder Declan Rice, despite splashing out £106 million on Enzo Fernandez last month.

The Argentina international became the most expensive player in Premier League history when he joined The Blues on deadline day, but Chelsea are apparently intent on recruiting a big name player to partner him in midfield.

Rice is still wanted by Chelsea

Rice, 24, was part of the youth setup at Chelsea before departing the club in 2013 to join The Hammers.

He made his senior debut for West Ham on the final day of the 2016/17 season, and has gone on to make more than 220 appearances for the club.

Despite establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League during his time in east London, Rice has continuously been linked with a move away from the club, with Chelsea often touted as his most likely destination.

It is claimed that both Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be sold this summer in order to make way for Rice, who is set to be out of contract at the end of next summer.

That means that the upcoming summer window could represent West Ham’s last opportunity to sell Rice for a big sum, before his value inevitably drops as he nears the expiry of his deal.

The player is believed to be keen on playing in the Champions League and is also intent on remaining in the capital, the report says.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for the England international, though, so The Gunners may provide competition for Rice’s signature.