Spanish giants Real Madrid are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante this summer and the Blues are believed to be planning for life with the Frenchman.
Kante is regarded as the best defensive midfielders in the world due to his unique intercepting and transitional abilities.
Despite his struggles with injuries this season that has seen the France international make just 22 appearances for the Blues, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is prioritising a move for Kante in the summer.
According to The Mirror, Chelsea see West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as a natural replacement for Kante should the Frenchman leave the club for Real Madrid this summer.
The Blues aren’t the only club interested in signing the England international this summer, with Manchester United, Madrid and Arsenal also interested in the West Ham midfielder.
Rice started out at the Chelsea academy but left for West Ham after he was released by the Blues.
During his time at Chelsea, he became close friends with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and the two have remained close friends with Rice recently telling Copa 90: “I’d love to play with him at club level again.”