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

Chilwell’s mentor discusses his other talents

A former teacher of Ben Chilwell has told The Sun that the Chelsea full-back could have been a successful cricketer or businessman if he had decided not to play professional football.

Andy Whomsley, who was Chilwell’s head of year at Redborne Upper School in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, described him as a good sportsman and student during his time at the institution.

‘Ben was a very talented sportsman, a county cricketer until 16,’ said Whomsley in a feature on Chilwell’s early development as a footballer.

‘If he hadn’t played football he could have played cricket without a doubt. If he hadn’t played cricket he could have gone down to the City of London and into business.

‘He was a fantastic young man, articulate, intelligent, well-liked, a good sense of humour, an excellent communicator.’

Blues linked with Swiss midfielder

The Express reports Chelsea have taken an interest in Borussia Monchengladbach’s Switzerland international midfielder Denis Zakaria.

Citing a report by Bild, the paper indicates the Blues are in competition with the two Manchester clubs to sign the 23-year-old, who was born in Geneva to a South Sudanese mother and Congolese father.

‘It's true but Chelsea are not the only club keen,’ said Bild journalist Christian Falk.

‘We know these clubs have shortlists and Zakaria is on the shortlist of Chelsea because he is a really good player. But he is also on the shortlist of United and the shortlist of City.

‘He's really expensive for a player that hasn't shown in a big competition, I know that Gladbach knows there are interests from big clubs and also German big clubs.

‘I think it's not his year to make a transfer and Gladbach don't want to sell him but if a club pays €50million or €60m of course there will be negotiations. I think we will have to talk about Zakaria next year.’

Zola backs Cech’s inclusion in squad

Gianfranco Zola has told TalkSport that Petr Cech won’t let people down if he is needed to fill in for Chelsea’s other goalkeepers in an emergency.

Cech retired as a player last year to become Chelsea’s technical and performance adviser. However, the 38-year-old could potentially play again for the Blues after he was included as one of four goalkeepers in our squad for the 2020/21 campaign.

‘I’m totally surprised by that. At 38 he is, especially for a goalkeeper, at an age where nowadays it is quite normal,’ said Zola, who retired shortly before his 39th birthday in 2005.

‘Petr has got unbelievable ability and experience, but I don’t know the condition of his body right now to be honest.

‘But with his experience and ability as a goalkeeper there is no doubt he can do it.’