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

Blues title winner searching for new challenge

Former Chelsea striker and Premier League winner Diego Costa is now a free agent after leaving Atletico Mineiro of the Brazilian Serie A.

During his time at the Blues, Diego Costa became a fan favourite, and scored an impressive 52 goals in 89 Premier League games - winning two titles and the League Cup during his three year stay in SW6.

The news was reported by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: ‘Diego Costa has reached an agreement with Atletico Mineiro to terminate his contract and part ways with immediate effect,’ as cited by Mail Online.

‘Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker is now going to be available on a free transfer,' Romano added.

‘Diego Costa could return to Spain according to Tribal Football. They claim La Liga duo Cadiz and Elche, as well as La Liga 2 side Eibar, are all interested in the striker,’ the report in the Mail states.

Claims that Chelsea will offer Lyon compensation for Emerson recall

The Blues are reportedly doing all it takes to recall Emerson Palmieri from his current loan spell at Lyon in Ligue 1 after injuries took their toll on Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Chelsea have been linked with numerous left-backs in the first 10 days of the winter transfer window but it is Italian Emerson who the club are most keen on recalling, as reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano.

‘Chelsea are still trying to recall Emerson Palmieri as left back, Tuchel wants him. OL [Lyon] turned down first approach but Chelsea are pushing again - prepared to offer compensation,’ the tweet states.

It had been reported that Everton’s Lucas Digne was on Chelsea’s radar, after Ben Chilwell’s long-term injury was announced in conjunction with Digne’s alleged falling out with Rafael Benitez.

‘Lucas Digne deal now looking very unlikely. Nothing advanced. Everton ask for permanent move.’

Digne has since been reported to be close to a switch to Aston Villa, speculated by the same journalist here.

AFCON enforce strict Covid squad rules

According to the BBC, countries participating at the African Cup of Nations will still have to field a team even if they have only 11 fit players as a result of a Covid-19 outbreak.

The competition got underway yesterday in Cameroon with the hosts beating Burkina Faso in the opener before Cape Verde beat ten men Ethiopia.

Chelsea’s only representative, Edouard Mendy, has tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival in Africa and will now miss their opener today as they take on Zimbabwe.

The new rules therefore put Mendy's Senegal at risk of having a severely depleted squad.

‘New guidelines from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) state matches will still go ahead even if none of the 11 players is a goalkeeper' states the report.

‘Any nation unable to fulfil a fixture will forfeit the game 2-0,’ the report states.

‘The guidance has been issued after several nations reported Covid cases before the tournament starts.

‘Caf said that in "exceptional cases" the tournament's organising committee "will take the appropriate decision".’