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

Lemar linked with Blues

According to the Evening Standard, France international winger Thomas Lemar is being linked with a move to Chelsea from Atletico Madrid.

With the Blues reportedly in the market for a wide attacker during the January transfer window, Lemar has emerged as a possible target for Frank Lampard’s side.

‘Lemar is a cheaper alternative to [Crystal Palace’s Wilfried] Zaha and his availability on loan has been circulated with intermediaries suggesting the 24-year-old would be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge,’ states the report.

‘It is believed that Lemar would command a £5m loan fee with Atletico ready to do business at around £50m for a permanent deal.

‘That figure is considerably lower than the offer Arsenal made – exceeding £90m including add-ons – when trying to sign the winger from Monaco in 2017.’

Lemar helped Monaco to win the Ligue 1 title in 2016/17 and was a member of France’s World Cup-winning squad two years ago. He signed for Atletico in 2018.

Giroud agrees terms with Inter

The Guardian reports Olivier Giroud is closing in on a move to Inter Milan after agreeing personal terms with the Italian club although a transfer fee for the France striker has yet to be agreed with Chelsea.

According to the report, the Serie A leaders are keen to bolster their attacking options this month after losing Alexis Sanchez to a long-term injury.

‘The Inter manager, Antonio Conte, has made Giroud his No 1 target and is still hopeful that the two clubs can find a solution,’ states the Guardian.

‘Giroud is keen to move on and has agreed a deal with Inter for a contract until the end of the 2021-22 season, but the Italian side are only interested in signing him if they can secure his services now. If he does not arrive during this window, they are likely to drop their interest in him.

‘Conte’s main strikers, Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martínez, are both having successful seasons – with 14 and nine league goals so far this season – but the former Chelsea manager is keen for a back-up to the two.’

Blues eye summer move for Mertens

Chelsea have reportedly approached Napoli striker Dries Mertens in a bid to snap him up on a free transfer this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

Mertens in the final six months of his contract at Napoli and has been unable to agree a new deal with the club's chairman Aurelio de Laurentiis.

‘French football website Le10sport.com reports that Inter and Chelsea will battle it out to agree a deal in January ahead of a summer move,’ states the Mail.

‘Mertens, who started his career at Gent before spells at AGOVV, Utrecht and PSV, is involved in a dispute between De Laurentiis and the club's players this season.

‘Inter and Chelsea are now circling for the 32-year-old who has become one of the best goal-scorers in Europe in recent years.

‘The Belgium international has scored 118 goals in 304 games, a tally which means he is the highest goal-scorer in Napoli's history.’