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

Blues interested in Pedraza

Chelsea are reportedly keeping an eye on Villarreal left-back Alfonso Pedraza.

According to Caught Offside, the Blues are looking to bring in another left-back to increase the competition in the summer.

The 25-year-old was formerly linked with a move to Brighton however a deal never went through. Chelsea will have a chance to bring the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Pedraza has appeared 27 times in La Liga this season and has also played an important role for his club in the Europa League, where they prepare to face Arsenal on Thursday.

The report also states that the Blues will have to shake off Inter Milan and Barcelona as competitors as both clubs are also interested in the left-back.

Pedraza has scored two goals and picked up four assists so far this season. He also has a release clause of £35 million.

Richards likens Pulisic to Hazard

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes Christian Pulisic can reach the level of Eden Hazard after his display in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.

The American opened the scoring after his well-timed run allowed him to sneak in behind the Spanish giants’ defence, he then showed composure to round former Blues goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to slot it home.

Speaking on CBS, the Sky Sports pundit was left very impressed by the 22-year-old’s performance.

‘He is just influential,’ Richards said. ‘He is a big game player and we have a laugh and a joke but he is a serious talent.

‘It is just about keeping him fit and keeping that confidence.’

Last night, our number 10 became the first American to score in a Champions League semi-final while also becoming the youngest Chelsea player to score at this stage in the competition.

‘The manager trusts him,’ Richards continued. ‘And I believe in him. I believe in his ability.

‘I think he can be as good as Eden Hazard. That big. That’s how much I believe in his ability.’

Costacurta hails Chelsea defence

AC Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta has labelled our defence as the best among the semi-finalist of this year’s Champions League.

Speaking on Sky Italia, Costacurta also praised the job Thomas Tuchel has done in strengthening the Blues at the back since his arrival.

‘I think Chelsea have the best defensive line in Europe,’ he said. ‘They can create trouble for anyone.

‘They move well, they are good both individually and as a department with Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger.’

The Blues have been strong throughout the competition and conceded their second goal in the knockout stages last night in our 1-1 draw against Real Madrid.

‘In a way, they are the most reliable defence among the Champions League semi-finalists,’ he added. ‘Tuchel has found the most suitable playing style for this team.

‘He has been pragmatic and the results prove it.’