Chelsea prepare last push for Rice – which could lead Jorginho to Arsenal

Frank Lampard wants to make one last push for Declan Rice – and that could pave the way for Jorginho to go to Arsenal.

Chelsea boss Lampard is a huge admirer of West Ham ’s England midfielder and has made him one of his top transfer targets.

But West Ham have been adamant they will not sell in this window and Chelsea know it would take a huge bid and that could mean they have to offload.

Arsenal are watching developments closely as Mikel Arteta is desperate to strengthen his midfield and Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey and Lyon star Houssem Aouar remain his priority targets but has been struggling to get deals done.

They cannot afford either deal until they get rid of players and, despite holding talks with Lyon over Aouar, they have hit a deadlock.

That has seen them look at other targets and they now include Jorginho who could be allowed to go in this window as Chelsea may also look to balance the books.

Chelsea beat Manchester City to the signing of Jorginho when Arteta was at the Etihad and remains a big admirer.

Arteta was coy when quizzed on Jorginho but admitted they were “open” to “different options” while Lampard dropped a bigger hint but insisted talk over Rice was down to “rumours.”

Lampard said: “Every player would always be a case by case situation. One where there is a happy solution for myself, the player and the club.

“So yes we have a big squad, we know that but at the moment the players remain ours and we’ll see as time goes on.

“It’s not my position to speculate on what may be because it’s not my job. And it’s the same for players at other clubs. We have a game against West Brom and my biggest thing is getting the squad ready for that game.”