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

Pedro keen to extend Chelsea stay

Speaking to a local television station in his native Canary Islands, Pedro has stated his desire to remain at Chelsea for as long as possible, 90min.com reports.

The Spanish winger spoke to the media after making a surprise visit to a children’s hospital in Tenerife and restated his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the expiry of his current contract in the summer of 2020.

‘I’ve got one year left on my contract at Chelsea and I hope I can stay there as long as possible. There’s the possibility of playing in the Champions League once again,’ said Pedro, who turns 32 later this month.

The Spaniard, who signed a one-year extension to his Chelsea contract last season, has scored 41 goals in 183 games for the Blues including the second in our 4-1 victory over Arsenal in the Europa League final.

While he is keen to stay in west London, the former Barcelona player has not ruled out the possibility of returning to his home island to round off his career at Spanish second division side Tenerife.

‘I’ve always said I wanted to play at CD Tenerife at least for one year. It would make my family and I really happy. But I still have a year left at Chelsea,’ he added.

Makelele backs Lampard for success at Chelsea

According to Goal.com, Claude Makelele has given strong backing for his former Chelsea midfield partner Frank Lampard to become the next head coach of the Blues, saying he expects him to become ‘a great manager for Chelsea’.

Speaking ahead of a charity game in the southern Malaysian city of Johor Bahru, the former France international midfielder tipped Lampard for success if he succeeds Maurizio Sarri to become the club’s next head coach.

‘I'm sure he wants to give everything for Chelsea. So, of course, I'm happy for this idea of the club to bring back a legend. He's ready. He knows what is needed to bring success to the club,’ said Makelele.

‘Frank is someone who is very professional, he focuses on details, focuses about the love he gives for Chelsea. I'm sure he will be a great manager for Chelsea.’

While the Blues finished well adrift of Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League title race in the 2018/19 season, Makelele expects the Blues to be challenging again for the title in the near future.

‘Always Chelsea will be there,” added the 46-year-old. ‘Last season Chelsea were fighting in the Premier League and won the Europa League.

‘The opportunity will come soon with the new project. I'm sure Chelsea will be able to give a lot of happiness to the fans.’

Makelele, who recently stepped down as manager of Belgian side Eupen, played in the JDT All-Star Friendly in Johor Bahru on Sunday which also featured former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda and former international stars including Rivaldo, Edgar Davids and David Trezeguet. The match helped raise about USD 165,000 for a variety of Malaysian charitable organisations.

Cahill linked with Gunners switch

With Gary Cahill becoming a free agent today (1 July), 90min.com is reporting that Arsenal have joined three other Premier League clubs in expressing interest in the former Chelsea captain.

According to the website, there is no shortage of interest in the 33-year-old centre-back, who won just about every major trophy during his eight-season spell at Stamford Bridge.

‘It's 90min's understanding that Cahill is keen to remain in the Premier League - and a number of top flight clubs are interested in taking him on,’ reads the report.

‘Arsenal, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all considering whether or not to offer Cahill a contract, while there is significant interest from newly promoted Aston Villa - where the former Chelsea skipper played for four years during the early part of his career.

‘Cahill's preference is to stay in London if possible, but a chance to reunite with former teammate and Villa assistant manager John Terry may be enough to tempt him back up to the Midlands.’