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

Blues keeping tabs on Tchouameni

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

According to Jeunes Footeux, the 21-year-old’s performances this season have attracted interest from the Blues.

The midfielder joined Monaco in 2020 and the arrival of former Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac has risen his game.

‘He’s a symbol of our team,’ Kovac said. ‘He’s the player who’s improved the most. He works hard and does whatever it takes.

‘If he continues like this, he’ll have a great career. He understands what’s expected of him and respects what he has to do.’

Tchouameni has started in 35 Ligue 1 games and has scored twice and picked up three assists.

The report also states that Thomas Tuchel loves the profile of the midfielder and could be interested in integrating the Frenchman into his plans at Stamford Bridge next season.

Tchouameni is valued at around £40 million by Monaco after arriving for £18 million the season before.

Bridge praises Gilmour

Wayne Bridge believes Billy Gilmour has massive potential and will be an important player for Chelsea.

Speaking in a report that was repeated in the Metro, the former Blues left-back praised the Scot who has made nine appearances so far this season.

‘It's tough being at Chelsea because they could buy so many players in his position but he’s got the quality,’ Bridge said. ‘He’s 19 so he still has loads of time at Chelsea.

‘He’s playing in one of the biggest teams in the Premier League and still has a chance of making it there and being a big part of the team.’

Last week, Gilmour was included in Scotland’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020 despite being uncapped, a huge sign of hope for the youngster.

‘It’s tough as a footballer because you want to play every match and it might dent your confidence when that doesn’t happen.

‘But he’s so young so I’d love to see him take his time at Chelsea for a long time because he’s got massive potential to go on and be great.’

Pundit adds Rudiger in Team of the Season

BBC pundit Garth Crooks has added Antonio Rudiger to his Team of the Season after an impressive campaign.

Rudiger has been an important piece of the team this season and has been a leader at the back alongside Thiago Silva.

‘His game might not be pretty, but it’s extremely effective,’ Crooks said. ‘Rudiger played in the FA Cup final and has seen Chelsea into the Champions League as part of a team he didn’t feature in at the start of the season.’

The Blues have won 58 per cent of their Premier League games when Rudiger played, compared to 42 per cent when he wasn’t.

‘A record number of consecutive clean sheets for the Blues has highlighted Tuchel’s astuteness,’ Crooks continued.

‘Rudiger is one of the best defenders at the club and a fearsome competitor.’