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

Chelsea reportedly made offer for Marquinhos

French media outlet RMC Sport is reporting that Chelsea attempted to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos this summer but had an offer turned down by the Ligue 1 side.

The 27-year-old succeeded Thiago Silva as PSG’s club captain last season but hopes of a reunion with his Brazilian compatriot in west London were quietly dashed according to the story.

‘The Blues were ready to make an offer of up to 100 million euros to snatch the services of the PSG captain, but neither Paris nor the Brazilian wanted to go further,’ states the report.

‘Marquinhos is feeling very good in the French capital and Parisian ambitions in the transfer market have only reinforced his will to continue with Paris Saint-Germain.

‘On the club side, Marquinhos represents an important part of the backbone desired and reinforced by management in recent years.’

Ferdinand lauds Rudiger as best centre-back

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Antonio Rudiger, calling the German the best centre-back in the Premier League.

Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand lauded the 28-year-old, who has re-established himself at the heart of the Blues defence under Thomas Tuchel after struggling for playing time under former manager Frank Lampard.

‘Since Tuchel has come, I think he’s arguably been the best centre-back,’ said the ex-Manchester United player.

‘I think him and [Manchester City’s Ruben] Dias would have been close but the effect he has had on his team has been immense.

‘Under Frank, it was evident he wasn’t Frank’s cup of tea. There were rumours they were trying to put him in the market to be sold.

‘In Germany, he’s always been highly thought of. But when the manager doesn’t rate you and you can feel that, I don’t care who you are your confidence takes a beating and it’s hard to perform at that level.’

Strong Blues presence in power rankings

Chelsea have a strong presence in Sky Sports’ Premier League Power Rankings with three players featuring in the top-five after the first five rounds of games.

Following our 3-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Marcos Alonso, Thiago Silva and Romelu Lukaku were placed third, fourth and fifth respectively in the weekly rankings, which is based on points awarded to players for 35 different statistics over the course of five matchdays including goals, assists, blocks and tackles.

Despite missing the Spurs game through injury, Edouard Mendy is in ninth place after allowing only one goal in his first four games while Antonio Rudiger is 17th and Mateo Kovacic is 19th.

Two Chelsea youngsters are also ranked as the top form players at their current loan clubs – Conor Gallagher at Crystal Palace and Billy Gilmour at Norwich City.

The current power rankings leader is former Blue Mohamed Salah with his Liverpool team-mate Alisson in second place