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

Barca concerned with interest in Martinez according to report

Spanish sports daily Sport reports Barcelona are nervous that Chelsea could beat them to the signing of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez by triggering his release clause.

Barca have been heavily linked with the Argentinian and believe he would join the La Liga side if the decision was solely for sporting reasons.

However, the report indicates they could miss out on the 22-year-old as Chelsea and Manchester City have the financial means to meet his reported release clause of 111mllion Euros and his hefty salary demands.

‘Barcelona are aware that Manchester City and Chelsea have presented offers that are much better to both Inter and the player,’ states the Spanish-language report.

‘City and Chelsea could make full payment of the release clause and would be in a position to pay the player more than 10 million euros per season.’

According to the report, Chelsea have one advantage over City in attracting Martinez.

‘City would have the handicap of not being able to compete in the Champions League next season if UEFA’s Financial Fair Play sanctions are maintained,’ it states.

Blues interested in Boateng?

According to the Sun, Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is a target for Chelsea and Arsenal in the coming transfer window.

The Germany international has been with Bayern since 2011 but with only one year left on his contract at the end of the season, there is speculation he will leave the Bundesliga giants.

Citing a report by FootMercato, the Sun claims the 31-year-old’s next destination could be London with Chelsea one of the leading contenders for his signature.

The article suggests Frank Lampard’s preference for versatile players makes Boateng an ideal addition to the squad for our next campaign.

‘The coach's occasional use of a five-man defensive system is well set up for Boateng, who can play in the centre or on the right-hand side of defence,’ it states.

Wilkins’ son thanks supporters

Ross Wilkins, the son of Chelsea legend Ray, has expressed his gratitude on TalkSport to fans who posted messages about his father last Saturday on the second anniversary of his untimely passing.

Ross explained the situation was especially difficult for his family due to the Covid-19 lockdown guidelines, which prevented him from visiting his mother.

However, the kind messages posted about his father on social media helped them to get through the day.

‘It’s been really tough this year,’ he said. ‘People always tell you these things get easier with time, but from my perspective, it’s actually getting harder.

‘That might be compounded by what’s currently going on in the country and the fact we couldn’t pay our respects properly. We’re social distancing from our mum at the moment, so she was at home on her own, which wasn’t easy for her.

‘I kept forwarding tweets and pictures to her that were sent to me on Twitter and Instagram. In general, people have been absolutely lovely and it was really nice reading the old stories about him bumping into people in cabs and stuff like that.

‘Thanks to everyone that did send us messages, it was really kind and well received.’