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

Poyet expects excitement from Ziyech

In an interview with Goal.com, former Chelsea favourite Gus Poyet has described Hakim Ziyech as a special player who could excite fans after he completes his move from Ajax to the Blues.

The Morocco international is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge after the end of the current season and Poyet believes the deal is an astute piece of business for the Blues.

‘I thought last year he was outstanding, every time he got the ball you thought something would happen with creating chances and scoring goals,’ said the Uruguayan.

‘He is more individual than I was! He is more direct but he always tries to affect the offensive play of the team which is exciting for people. When people go to watch football, they pay to watch teams win but also see something special.

‘I think he is that kind of player to bring something to excite people in the stands to get people buying tickets.’

Poyet did sound a note of caution on the tricky transition from Dutch football to the Premier League.

‘We can go through 20 names of players that perform at an incredible level in Holland with a few playing very well in England but the majority didn't,’ he said.

‘It depends on how quickly he adapts to football and life in England.’

New left-back option emerges

According to the Sun, Chelsea could look to sign young Spanish full-back Marc Cucurerela this summer if a deal for Ben Chilwell proves too expensive.

While the Leicester City left-back is reportedly a key transfer target for the Blues, the Foxes are said to have placed a hefty £80 million valuation on the England international.

By contrast, Cucurella, a Barcelona player currently on loan at Getafe, could be available for a quarter of that amount.

‘Frank Lampard has plenty of work to do in the transfer window including splashing the cash on a new striker and isn't prepared to blow most of his budget on one player,’ states the Sun’s report.

‘So club scouts have been scouring the market across Europe for cheaper alternatives. According to Sport, Getafe's highly-rated ace Cucurella remains a real possibility following his impressive season in La Liga.‘The 21-year-old has played his part in Getafe's hugely impressive campaign that sees them sit fifth, just a point adrift of Sevilla who occupy third.

‘They report that Cucurella, who can also operate as a left-winger, would be available for around £20 million.’

Blues set budget for Kumbulla

A report by Metro indicates Chelsea are preparing a significant bid for Albanian centre-back Marash Kumbulla, who is also wanted by Inter Milan.

The 20-year-old has been a fixture in defence this season for Serie A side Verona and his progress has reportedly been monitored by Chelsea scouts.

Veronese newspaper L’Arena now claims the Blues will make a significant offer for Kumbulla which would convince him to make the switch to the Premier League.

‘Chelsea are prepared to pay £21million upfront to sign Kumbulla, a rising star in Serie A who only turned 20 in February and is a top target of Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan,’ states the Metro report.

‘Italian publication L’Arena claim Chelsea are keen to beat Inter to the signing and have indicated they will pay a significant sum for the young centre-back.

‘Chelsea are willing to pay the transfer fee upfront, which could set them apart from Inter despite the fact the Italian club has already held extensive talks with the player and Verona.’