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

Van Beek lauds Ziyech deal

Ajax midfielder Donny van Beek believes Hakim Ziyech will be a big success at Chelsea after it was announced on Thursday the Blues had reached agreement on the summer transfer of the Morocco international, the Daily Mail reports.

While Ziyech has yet to agree personal terms with Chelsea, Van Beek told Dutch football website VoetbalPrimeur that his team-mate deserves the opportunity to move to Stamford Bridge.

‘I wish him everything and I hope he will do very well there,’ said the 22-year-old.

‘It is a step he deserves in my opinion. He is a fantastic football player, so I am confident that he will do well.

'I think it's a very nice club with a lot of young players that can grow. I think Hakim will certainly be in [the right] place. Everyone, of course, has their opinion about that, but I think it's a nice club for him.’

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan also believes the Moroccan will thrive at Chelsea if the move is completed.

‘He is vital for that team (Ajax). He has been absolutely turning the stadium upside down in certain games,’ he told Sky Sports.

‘His skills and technique are brilliant. His left foot is fantastic. He has scored cracking goals, [supplied] great assists his figures speak for themselves.

‘I am sure he will carry on doing this at Stamford Bridge.’

Zouma recalls Mourinho rebuke

Kurt Zouma reveals he was once described as ‘rubbish’ by Jose Mourinho but he believes he benefitted from the stern dressing down by the former Chelsea manager, according to Goal.com.

In an interview with French media outlet RMC Sport, the centre-back admitted Mourinho didn’t hold back in his criticism of his poor performance in a match.

‘I cannot remember which match we were playing, we were losing 3-1, away from home,’ he said.

‘The following day, he [Mourinho] catches up with me, he takes me to his office, and he asks me if I am ok. I said yes, he asked me if I was sure.

‘I said yes again, he replied “Because you were rubbish this weekend.” Like that, direct. It shocked me, but it made me want to immediately respond on the pitch.

‘I remember that it hurt me, that it affected me. But I really wanted to show him that I could react.’

Zouma added he had no hard feelings towards the former Blues boss.

‘“He is someone who loves victory. He uses all the tools possible to achieve it,’ he said.

‘I came here at 19 and he played me. I was able to have my chances, I played my matches.’

Willian wanted by Juve

The Daily Express reports Juventus want to sign Willian this summer but the Brazilian may not be keen to play under Maurizio Sarri again.

Willian’s Chelsea contract is due to expire at the end of the season and there has been plenty of speculation about his footballing future with the Italian champions emerging as a possible destination if he does not extend his deal with the Blues.

‘Juventus are long-term fans of Willian, and are monitoring his situation closely,’ states the report.

‘The Serie A giants made an inquiry about Willian in the summer as well, but the Brazilian is not a fan of working under Maurizio Sarri – who left Stamford Bridge to take over at Juve at the end of last season.

‘However, Sarri is under pressure after poor recent results and there is increasing speculation he could leave at the end of this campaign.’