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

Man United star admits Chelsea icons were his idols

Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho has confirmed he was a Chelsea fan growing up and has named two Blues icons as his idols.

The summer recruit from Borussia Dortmund scored the opening goal at Stamford Bridge at the weekend in our 1-1 draw with the Red Devils, before Jorginho levelled from the spot.

The England international was a product of the Watford Academy before joining Manchester City, but in an interview with talkSPORT has revealed who his inspirations were as a young footballer.

‘I’d probably say Frank Lampard. I was a Chelsea fan growing up, I can’t lie,’ Sancho revealed.

‘Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were my favourite players at the time.

‘I just loved Frank Lampard and how he played his game – he was so direct and so composed on the ball. I like things like that.’

Blues reportedly interested in Araujo

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, but face competition from around Europe for his signature.

Araujo was signed by the La Liga giants in the summer of 2018 after playing his youth football in his native Uruguay, and has since risen to the first-team - which is now managed by Xavi.

A report by Sport Witness highlights current interest from the likes of the Blues, but there is no suggestion that a move is close.

‘There are several suitors in England, particularly Chelsea, where it is felt that his physical characteristics makes him a very attractive centre back for English football.

‘His power, defensive and aerial play, speed, strength are all ingredients that make him an ideal player for the Premier League.’

However the report states that Chelsea will have to work incredibly hard behind the scenes to make the transfer happen.

‘They [Chelsea] have some work to do to convince the player, though, whose ‘priority’ is Barcelona. He is happy at the club and in Barcelona, where his first daughter was born last month.

‘Barcelona also consider him a key player for the future, and although they haven’t opened talks for a new deal yet, that is certainly in the pipeline.’

Scholes retracts Chelsea comments and makes fresh prediction

When speaking to Premier League Productions, as reported by the Metro, the ex-Man United man said he now believes Chelsea can go all the way in the Premier League this season.

The Blues have not won the top-flight title since the 2016/17 season, but currently sit top of the tree with 30 points after 13 games.

‘I think Lukaku is a big difference to him [Tuchel],’ he told Premier League Productions.

‘They need to get him fit, if he can play the rest of the games this season, they are going to have a great chance,’ Scholes said.

The TV pundit originally suggested that the title is a two-horse race between Liverpool and Manchester City, but recent performances look to have swayed his views.

‘Look at that coach, the way he speaks, the way he coaches his team. They are well-drilled, they are confident. Everyone knows what they are doing.’