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

Blues want Rice

According to the subscription-based Telegraph, Chelsea are reportedly still interested in signing West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

The report states that the England midfielder is not looking to sign a new deal at the east London club as the Blues reportedly continue to show interest in the midfielder.

Rice has three more years left on his deal and Manchester United are also reportedly eyeing the Englishman after his impressive performances in the Premier League.

‘Despite remaining committed to West Ham and determined to continue to give his best for the club, Rice wants to challenge for trophies and play Champions League football,’ the report stated.

‘Manchester United and Chelsea are admirers of Rice, but both clubs have been put off making a bid by West Ham’s insistence that the 22-year-old would cost 100 million.’

Rice played a crucial role for England at Euro 2020. The midfielder will further gain experience playing in the Europa League this year.

Keane hails attacking options

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has praised Chelsea’s attacking options in our 2-0 win against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit stated his belief that the Blues are genuine title contenders, also praising the ‘swagger’ shown by Thomas Tuchel’s men.

‘Top players up front will give you a lot more options,’ Keane said. ‘We talk about their attacking players but defensively, clean sheets, that’s the foundation to move forward.

‘We look at their bench and the manager has got options.’

Romelu Lukaku made his second debut for Chelsea, and it only took 15 minutes to score his first goal in a Chelsea shirt. Keane also praised his performance against the Gunners.

‘Lukaku gives them the option to play one up front,’ he added. ‘He is a big powerful player. I look at Chelsea and they have a real swagger about them.

‘Arsenal dug in, but it was comfortable for Chelsea.’

Bent impressed by James

Former England striker Darren Bent believes Reece James is pushing Trent Alexander-Arnold to be the best right-back in the Premier League.

Speaking on TalkSport, the radio host praised James’s performance against Arsenal as we continued our fantastic start to the season.

‘I genuinely think that James is pushing Alexander-Arnold in terms of being the best right-back,’ Bent said. ‘Every time I see James play, I get it. Alexander-Arnold with his deliveries, there’s no one better than him, but his deliveries are not far off him.

‘Defensively, James is better.’

The 21-year-old started his first game of the season at the Emirates and rewarded Thomas Tuchel with an assist that set up Romelu Lukaku and a goal of his own 20 minutes later.

‘That is a modern-day full-back,’ Bent added on James’s goal.