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

Blues linked with Donnarumma

According to reports in the Sun, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as his contract is close to expiring.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper has played more than 220 games for AC Milan, but clubs are beginning to monitor his situation at the San Siro.

The Blues are reportedly interested and will compete with Inter Milan and Juventus to sign the goalkeeper.

AC Milan club legend and technical director Paolo Maldini spoke highly of the goalkeeper and his leadership qualities during the contract negotiations.

‘He is a leader in training and with his behaviour,’ he told Sky Italia. ‘His growth has been truly exponential.

‘We must try, it could happen in a week, 10 days, 20 days, we are not in a hurry.’

Depending on how the negotiations go, the Blues are said to be determined to persuade the Italian to join Frank Lampard’s men in an attempt to bolster the squad.

Giroud reveals finishing secrets

Olivier Giroud averaged a goal every 106 minutes and ended 2020 with the highest strike rate in the Premier League.

In an interview with Sky Sports, the Frenchman revealed why he has continued to be successful in front of goal for Chelsea.

‘There is nothing random when you score goals,’ he said. ‘It cannot be that you are just lucky. You are relentless and resilient. You always keep believing.

‘That is one of the main qualities of a striker. You never stop and you always believe you are going to score even if you miss the first or second one.’

Most of Giroud’s goals for Chelsea have been from close range, with 31 of his 37 coming from first-touch finishes. He also spoke about how he tries to involve those around him in the game.

‘My type of game is more to set up others and just being alive in the box and ready to finish well,’ he said. ‘It is something I practise a lot; I try to be quick in the box and finish as quickly as I can.

‘When you are in the penalty box, you always know that you do not have time to finish. There is always going to be a defender nearby, so you have a better chance of scoring when you shoot with your first touch.’

Hasselbaink returns to Burton Albion

Former Blues striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been reappointed as manager of Burton Albion after spending time away from management.

The former Netherlands international re-joins five years after he left the club for Queens Park Rangers.

‘Burton Albion is a club which is very close to my heart and a really special club for me and my family,’ Hasselbaink told the club’s website. ‘I have wonderful memories from when I was here before and it was a very important time in my life and I always kept in touch with the club.’

Burton currently sits at the bottom of League One on 13 points and the former striker knows how difficult the job ahead is.

‘The job is different from the first time, but we are coming in to try and as quickly as possible to get us up the league and keep ourselves in League One.

‘That’s our aim and first and foremost what we will be trying to do.’