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

Chelsea following Digne situation closely

The Blues are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in securing a deal for France and Everton defender Lucas Digne according to reports.

Digne has made 13 appearances in the league this season but has been missing from the squad for their last four matches.

According to the Metro, the left-back has reportedly fallen out with ex-Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez at Everton, which has sparked the transfer rumours.

‘Chelsea, Newcastle United and Leicester City are considering moves for Everton defender Lucas Digne ahead of the January transfer window,' the report says.

‘Digne has made 125 appearances for the Toffees since completing an £18m move from Barcelona in the summer of 2018.

‘The 28-year-old has been a mainstay in Everton’s side over the past four seasons but may be looking for a new home in January.

‘Digne has reportedly fallen out with Toffees boss Rafa Benitez, while Everton are closing in on deal for Vitaliy Mykolenko, with the Dynamo Kyiv set to move to Merseyside on January 1.

‘With Digne seemingly set for the exit door, three Premier League clubs have expressed interest in securing his signature.’

Willian reveals most gifted Blues

Chelsea double title winner Willian has revealed who his favourite team-mate was during his seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge and named which current Blues star is impressing him.

Willian won five trophies at the club, and played with some real Chelsea icons before joining Arsenal in 2020.

Speaking to Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel FIVE, the Brazilian admitted one man was a class above the rest for Chelsea.

‘Eden Hazard. It was amazing to play with him,’ Willian said. ‘For me, he was the best player to play with at Chelsea. I was with him everyday. His talent was incredible. But he was not a hard trainer,’ he joked.

When asked about the players currently in Thomas Tuchel’s side he likes to watch, Willian said: ‘Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount, Reece James.’

When pressed to name a favourite, the Corinthians player replied: ‘Difficult. I think Reece James. I like him.

‘He’s a good player. I think he can be one of the best right-backs in the world in years.’

He also backed the Blues to go all the way and win the Premier League this season. ‘Three teams can win the league this year; Chelsea, Liverpool and City,’ admitted the Brazilian.

‘But, Chelsea [will be champions], for sure.’

Chelsea leading the way for French international

Chelsea are in ‘pole position’ to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from AS Monaco, according to online reports.

The French midfielder has quickly progressed through the ranks in southern France which has also seen him capped by Didier Deschamp’s national team.

According to a report on 90min, the French midfielder was on the club’s radar as recently as the summer.

‘Chelsea are readying a fresh move for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in January,’ the report states.

‘The Blues held talks with Monaco over Tchouameni in the summer, and even considered buying him and loaning him straight back to Stade Louis II before opting to bring in Saul.

‘Chelsea wanted to wait and see on Tchouameni's progress while keeping close tabs on him – but that decision could cost them as the 22-year-old has since emerged as a key player for the France national team.

‘Just over £30m would have seen a deal finalised in the summer of 2021, but that is no longer the case as it is believed the Principality outfit want around £50m for the young midfielder.

‘Despite increased interest from across Europe, Chelsea very much remain in pole position to land Tchouameni,’ the report continues.

‘Sources with knowledge of the situation have told us that confidence is high that he will be moving to Stamford Bridge in 2022.’