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

Blues eyeing Tapsoba

Chelsea have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba.

According to SportBild, the Blues are interested in bringing in another centre-back to further strengthen the squad.

Tapsoba joined the German side last season and his performances have impressed plenty of the European elite clubs.

The Burkina Faso international is often deployed as a left-sided central defender despite being right-footed and is seen as one of the most promising prospects in Europe.

The report states that the Blues, alongside Manchester United and Arsenal, have made contact to ask about the player’s situation.

Tapsoba signed a new contract last year that will expire in 2026 and the champions of Europe might have to wait until the end of next season to make a bid.

Henry hails Giroud

Thierry Henry has labelled Olivier Giroud as a ‘dying breed’ after our number nine added the Champions League title to his major honours.

Speaking to goal.com, the Premier League Hall of Famer also suggested that he will love it if the 36-year-old could break his national team goal-scoring record.

‘Olivier is the type of striker that is dying right now,’ he said. ‘The old school, holding the ball up, passing the ball to the winger, getting into the box to score with a header.

‘But what I like is how he puts people in the game. He’s very good, he will give the assist sometimes when you link up with him on a one-two.’

Giroud is currently seven goals away from breaking Henry’s 51-goal tally and he could surpass him during this summer's Euro 2020 tournament.

Henry believes it would be an unbelievable achievement.

‘Records are made to be broken,’ he added. ‘I often speak to him, whenever he scores a goal or two, and I always say to him “well done”, because he deserves it.

‘It would be a great achievement.’

Zola loves Thiago Silva

Former Blues forward Gianfranco Zola has discussed how important the addition of Thiago Silva has been for Chelsea this season.

Speaking to TalkSport, the Italian took time to praise the veteran for his instant impact at Stamford Bridge.

‘I think one of the successes of this Chelsea team has been that Thomas Tuchel has been able to mix young players with more experienced players,’ he said. ‘I believe this is a very good mix.

‘You have to have both because they push each other.’

Zola believes Thiago Silva, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, has shown his leadership qualities to inspire the squad to compete at a high level.

‘Thiago Silva, I don’t know him personally,’ he added. ‘But I can see the way he behaves on the pitch and the way he plays.

‘He must be very important for the young ones, in terms of being an example and showing ways to conduct yourself on the pitch.’