These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Coutinho discussed

The Mirror quotes reports coming out of Spain as it suggests there has been activity in a move to sign Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who is on loan at Bayern Munich this season.It cites Spanish newspaper AS as it claims Chelsea are leading the race to sign the former Liverpool player after having made contact with his parent club Barcelona.‘Blues boss Frank Lampard has already held discussions with Coutinho,’ adds the Mirror before claiming:‘Bayern Munich are not expected to take up the option of a permanent deal once the campaign concludes.‘Having dipped below their usual high standards in recent times, it’s thought Catalan giants Barcelona will spend big during the next transfer window. And they’re ready to sell the 27-year-old as they aim to raise funds to re-sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.‘It’s reported that initial talks have been held between Chelsea and Barca over Coutinho, with Lampard having tried to persuade him to come to London.‘Despite having already landed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax on a five-year deal for £33million, the club are keen to get new attacking midfielders in the summer.’

Two clubs linked with Lazio back

Meanwhile, focusing on another area of the pitch, the Mail is running a story on Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi, stating there could be a ‘bidding war’ between Chelsea and Inter Milan for the 32-year-old’s signing.

‘The veteran centre back as been the cornerstone to Simone Inzaghi's side this season that has seen Lazio mount a monumental title challenge, leaving them a point adrift of Juventus before the coronavirus called a halt to proceedings,’ reads the report which lists sources in the Italian media.‘And his performances have not gone unnoticed with Frank Lampard set to rival former Blues boss Antonio Conte for his signature.’Acerbi, who has played for the Italian national side in their Euro 2020 qualification campaign, joined Lazio in 2018 and has a contract until 2023, according to the Mail.

Willian willing

Willian has confirmed it would be ‘no problem for me’ to play games for Chelsea beyond the completion of his current contract, should the season be extended beyond that in order to fit in fixtures postponed due to the pandemic.

The Brazilian would be out of contract at the end of June should a new one not be signed but speaking in a live Facebook chat with Esporte Interativo, he said:‘If I had to play on those dates, in these months [after June], I think it would be no problem for me to end the league in a way which would be loyal to the club, as they always were with me. Regardless of a signed paper.‘But it’s clear that this is not a certainty, we don’t know what can happen. But without a doubt, as always, I will always be ready to give the best to my club regardless of my contract situation.’