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

Umtiti linked with Blues

According to the Mirror, Chelsea have expressed interest in signing French defender Samuel Umtiti from Barcelona this summer.

Umtiti has featured regularly at centre back under Quique Setien this season but citing a report by a Spanish sport publication, the Mirror indicates the 26-year-old is open to a move away from the Nou Camp.

‘Mundo Deportivo report that Chelsea would have made an approach for Umtiti already had they not been under the transfer ban imposed by UEFA,’ states the paper.

‘They add that Umtiti would have been open to a switch to Stamford Bridge and was prepared for his representative to discuss a deal with Chelsea chiefs.

‘In turn, Chelsea are believed to have been in touch with Umtiti's agent Arturo Canales to sound him out over a move.

‘The 26-year-old would prefer to remain at Barcelona, but is open to moving to a club playing Champions League football, and has a preference for Chelsea over Arsenal and Man Utd, who have also been offered his services.

‘Barcelona are willing to sell the centre-back at the end of the season providing their asking price of £46million is met.’

Bellingham close to Dortmund switch

Citing reports from Germany, the Daily Mail indicates rumoured Chelsea target Jude Bellingham is very close to sealing a summer move to Borussia Dortmund.

The Birmingham City teenager has been linked with the Blues and Manchester United but Bild indicates he will turn down those advances and join the Bundesliga side next season.

‘The move would likely have been completed sooner if not for the coronavirus outbreak but Dortmund remain confident of landing the talented 16-year-old,’ states the report.

‘Talks with Bellingham were at an advanced stage before the pandemic and it is unclear when they will resume given lockdown measures.

‘Bellingham is thought to be very keen on a move to Dortmund where he believes he will get more playing time, compared to that of United or the Blues.

‘Bellingham cannot sign his first professional contract until he turns 17 in June but a delay of the current campaign will mean his contract with Birmingham will continue until that has finished, following the announcements made by FIFA earlier this month.’

Martinez’s future still undecided

The Sun reports that Chelsea’s hopes of signing Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan have risen after his agent denied holding talks with other clubs for the striker.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid but his agent Alberto Yaque claimed in an interview with an Argentinian radio station that his future has yet to be decided.

‘His constant growth makes the best teams in the world notice him and have that concept. Hopefully he will be rewarded for his effort,’ said Yaque.

‘We have chatted with many people, but nothing more. For now those who call me are not directly employed by the club. There is nothing formal or serious.

‘It is something dreamed of being the player in the market. He is not expecting anything, all he wants is to play and score goals.’

Manchester United were also linked with the Argentinian but their interest has waned due to his reported £94million release clause.