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

Blues linked to Milenkovic

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the 23-year-old is tipped to leave the club this summer as his contract runs out at the end of 2022.

With the Blues making the FA Cup and Champions League finals, Thomas Tuchel is reportedly still looking to strengthen his tough side and another centre-back could be brought in.

The Serbian has appeared 35 times for Fiorentina this season and has scored three goals and picked up one assist.

Milenkovic is rumoured to be one of the most sought-after centre-backs coming out of Italy this summer with both Manchester clubs and Liverpool also keeping an eye on him.

The report also states that the Blues could have a slight advantage due to the agent of the 23-year-old having a good relationship with the club.

Neville impressed by Tuchel

Gary Neville has praised Thomas Tuchel for his ‘outstanding coaching performance’ since arriving at the club in January.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, the former Manchester United right-back looked at the different tweaks our German boss has made to our defence.

‘I marvel at some of the defenders nowadays in terms of the pressure they put on themselves and the way they get up the pitch,’ he said. ‘You look at Chelsea, Liverpool and City, this season, they are pushing right up the pitch.

‘I don’t know how Tuchel coaches it, he’s been here four or five months. He has games every Wednesday and Saturday, there’s no time on the training pitch, you’re talking about recoveries most of the time.’

Since the German’s arrival, the Blues switched to a back three and have benefitted as we have kept 11 clean sheets in the Premier League and only conceded nine goals so far.

‘How has he coached that instantly into a team straight away?’ Neville continued. ‘It’s an outstanding coaching performance and well done to the players for taking it on board as well.’

Merson on Blues’ positives against Manchester City

Paul Merson believes Chelsea will have learned valuable lessons in their 2-1 win against Manchester City.

Writing in his Sky Sports column, the former Arsenal midfielder was left very impressed by the Blues’ performance at the Etihad Stadium on the weekend.

‘It was a massive result for Chelsea,’ Merson said. ‘To come from behind against Man City as well, that will be huge for their belief and confidence in the weeks ahead.

‘People may look at this result and think it’s got nothing to do with the Champions League final, but Chelsea have beaten City twice.’

Merson thinks Tuchel’s side will have enough confidence to overcome City in the final. The Blues have another important week as we face Arsenal at home tomorrow night then prepare for the FA Cup final at Wembley.

‘They learned a valuable lesson and became less fearful of Man City and had a go,’ he added. ‘That’s maybe because the shackles were off, and they were 1-0 down.

‘They took the game to City and now, I think we are looking at a really good Champions League final between these two.’