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

Blues eyeing Tchouameni

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

According to a report in Tribal Football, the Blues will have to battle it out with Manchester United for the player’s signature.

The midfielder’s performances in Ligue 1 have impressed plenty of clubs in the Premier League and the report also states that Thomas Tuchel is interested in the player’s profile.

Former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas earlier in the year praised his Monaco team-mate when he was asked about him in a Q&A on Twitter.

‘He has the potential to be the complete midfielder,’ Fabregas said. ‘He is a modern midfield player but we still need him.’

The Frenchman made 36 appearances in the league last year, scoring two goals picking up four assists.

The 21-year-old is valued at around £40 million by Monaco after arriving for £18 million from Bordeaux in January 2020.

Jimenez on Cech help

Wolves striker Raul Jimenez has revealed how former Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech offered him help after the Mexican sustained a serious head injury in a game against Arsenal in November.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the 30-year-old opened up about his journey back to football after nearly having to retire from the sport.

‘I have been in contact with Cech,’ Jimenez said. ‘He texted me when I needed, and when I wanted he was there.’

Cech suffered a depressed fracture of the skull during a game in 2006 and had to wear headgear for the rest of his career. Jimenez admitted to being grateful for the support system around him since the injury.

‘Once, when the team went to a game in London, he went to the hotel with the doctor to bring one of his helmets to see if we could do something similar,’ he added.

‘Even if they don’t know you, they are there to help.’

Merson praises Chelsea performance

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson was impressed by Chelsea’s performance in the opening game of the season as we beat Crystal Palace 3-0 on Saturday.

Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Merson stated his belief that the Blues will be the team to beat this season.

‘Chelsea reminded me of Manchester City against Crystal Palace,’ Merson said. ‘They just completely dominated Palace, at the highest level, as we see with Man City a lot of the time at home.

‘Teams turn up and they know they’re beaten and I think we’re going to get that at Chelsea now.’

The pundit also praised Chelsea’s Academy for continuing to bring through talent to the first team following a goalscoring debut for Trevoh Chalobah.

‘What are they doing at their Academy?,’ he added. ‘They have brought through Trevoh Chalobah, who looked established at the highest level on Saturday.

‘They’ve got Reece James, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi. It’s mind-blowing.’