wants to sign and play him alongside Conor Gallagher in ’s new-look midfield.
report that Tuchel ‘loves’ the defensive midfielder and is weighing up a move for the 23-year-old in anticipation of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho departing Stamford Bridge next season.
In recent weeks speculation has been growing about the two current Chelsea midfielders, with both Kante and Jorginho the wrong side of 30 and out of contract in 2023.
Tuchel has previously stated that he does not want to lose either player, especially in the same manner in which he is likely to lose centre-back pair Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger at the end of this season.
But if their contracts are not extended, Chelsea will turn to former academy player Rice, who has been tipped for a big money move away from east London for some time now, as well as Gallagher who has had a breakthrough season on loan at Crystal Palace.
Both are young English stars in the middle of impressive campaigns, with Rice helping West Ham to the Europa League semi-finals and potentially another top-six finish, and Gallagher aiding Palace to the FA Cup semi-finals.
However, they are not the only players being targeted by Chelsea, with Monaco midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni a favourite amongst the club’s scouting team.
The 22-year-old Frenchman is highly rated, boasting defensive stats that match Kante and creative skills akin to the likes of Mateo Kovacic, and like Rice he has been linked with a plethora of top European clubs including Manchester United.
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