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

Ferdinand urges Blues to sign Grealish

Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes the Blues should sign Jack Grealish this summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, the former England international praised the Aston Villa man, stating he could further improve a lot of clubs.

‘There aren’t many breath-taking footballers around anymore who produce moments that make you go: “wow that was crazy”,’ the pundit said. ‘Grealish does that. He’s just a phenomenal player.

‘Grealish is driven, he’s been loyal, the fact he stayed at Villa last season is enough for them to clap him out the stadium.’

The England international was influential last season, as he scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 27 games.

‘Does he improve every team in the Premier League? Yes, he does. He improves every team,’ Ferdinand added. ‘He improves Chelsea, 100 per cent. Whoever’s got the money to pay for him, do it.'

Holding speaks on Chelsea rivalry

Arsenal defender Rob Holding thinks there is mutual respect between Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Speaking to the Guardian, the Englishman also stated that the Blues winning the Champions League has added more motivation for the Gunners ahead of the new campaign.

‘I see Chelsea as a competitive rival for us,’ he said. ‘I don’t see them as a team we aspire to be like, and I don’t think they see us that way either.

‘There’s a mutual respect between us and a recent history with FA Cup finals and playing each other in big games.’

With Arsenal out of Europe, the centre-back hopes his side can emulate what Antonio Conte did in his first year as Blues manager when he won the Premier League title.

‘With no Europe this season we’ve got no distractions,’ he said about his Arsenal side. ‘I think Liverpool did the same a few years ago, and Chelsea similarly when they won the league in Antonio Conte’s first year.’

Chelsea youngster raring to go

Chelsea youngster Juan Castillo is looking forward to spending the upcoming season on loan at Birmingham City under Lee Bowyer.

Speaking to Birmingham Live, the 21-year-old admitted he has a point to prove in the upcoming campaign after spending last season with ADO Den Haag.

‘I wasn’t happy about last season because I know what I can bring to the team and I don’t feel like I played like I know I can,’ he said. ‘That’s why this season is important for me because I want to reach that level again and I am working on that now.

‘I am aware of what the coach can do for me and that’s why I made the decision. I spoke to him in the summer and he told me what his plans were and everything seems clear from there.’

The Netherlands Under-20 defender played 17 times for ADO Den Haag last season, but the side finished bottom of the Eredivisie and were relegated.

‘I just want to be myself, to improve as a player and show the world what I can do,’ he added. ‘I am ready for the Championship, there is no backing down from a battle.’