In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, the Blues are linked with another player in Italy as transfer speculation continues to mount and there is plenty of interest in Academy midfielder Tariq Uwakwe as he prepares to head out on loan for the first time.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Chelsea scout Roma’s Diawara
According to the Daily Mail, reports in Italy state Chelsea are monitoring the progress of Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara with club scouts attending last weekend’s Serie A match against Juventus to watch the Guinea international in action.
Citing a report by Tuttomercato, the paper indicates there is also interest in the 22-year-old from Tottenham Hotspur, who also had scouts in the stands at Stadio Olimpico to watch him in his side’s 2-1 loss to the reigning Italian champions.
Despite the interest of both Premier League clubs, it is suggested Diawara may opt to remain with the the Giallorossi for now, having only recently joined them a few months ago.
‘Both London clubs are reportedly interested in the midfielder, who only joined Roma from Napoli last summer,’ adds the paper.
‘Diawara has impressed when given a chance but it is still early in his Roma career so he may be reluctant to move on so soon.’
Uwakwe set for Hull loan
Chelsea prospect Tariq Uwakwe appears set to go out on loan with Hull City emerging as the most likely destination for the young midfielder, the Sun reports.
Having progressed through the various youth levels at Chelsea since he joined the club as an Under-9, Uwakwe is expected to get the opportunity to play at senior level in the Championship with a number of clubs expressing interest in the 20-year-old.
‘Derby County have been chasing the young midfielder, who the Blues have decided can spend the next 18 months on loan away from Stamford Bridge,’ states the report.
‘Swansea have also been showing an interest in the midfielder having signed Chelsea team-mate Marc Guehi on similar terms last week. But Championship rivals Hull have shown the strongest interest and hope to tie up a deal this week.
‘Uwakwe signed a new three-year deal at Stamford Bridge last summer and is tipped to be another academy product to move into the first-team under Frank Lampard.
‘He has played seven times in Premier League 2 this season - helping the Under-23s reach the top of the table.’
Azpi moves up in power rankings
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has moved into the top 10 of Sky Sports’ weekly player power rankings after the Blues 3-0 victory over Burnley last weekend.
The rankings reflect the current form of players in the Premier League, and after scoring in our 1-1 draw at Brighton on New Year’s Day, the Spaniard continued his good form by setting up Callum Hudson-Odoi’s first-ever league goal in our win against the Clarets.
It meant he rose nine spots from 15th to sixth in the latest rankings.
The top of the rankings is dominated by Manchester City after their 6-1 win at Aston Villa with Sergio Aguero in first place, Riyad Mahrez in second and Gabriel Jesus in fifth. Southampton’s Danny Ings (3rd) and Watford’s Troy Deeney (5th) complete the top five.
Three other Chelsea players made the chart with Tammy Abraham in 34th place, Willian in 39th and Reece James in 45th.