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

Chelsea leading race for Tchouameni?

According to reports, Chelsea are leading Manchester United in the race to sign Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Monaco midfielder is viewed as one of France’s brightest talents and, according to reports, has been attracting interest from the Blues and Manchester United.

According to Football London, Chelsea are in pole position for the Frenchman due to speculation that Paul Pogba is set to extend his stay at Old Trafford and therefore put paid to any United move for Tchouameni.

‘United are interested in a move for AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and are set to battle it out with Chelsea for the 21-year-old's signature,’ the report states.

‘Paul Pogba is reportedly 'more open' to signing a contract extension at Manchester United after their transfer business over the summer.

‘United are reportedly interested in signing Tchouameni, but with Pogba now looking more likely to stay at Old Trafford, it could give the Blues a clear path in securing a possible move for the Frenchman.’

Joe Cole praises Lukaku impact

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole feels that adding a player of Romelu Lukaku’s quality to the ranks can help the Blues retain our Champions League crown.

The Belgian has made a fine start to life back at Chelsea, netting against Arsenal on his debut and a brace against Aston Villa last time out in the Premier League before heading home the winner in our 1-0 Champions League victory over Zenit St Petersburg last night.

Cole, who watched the win at Stamford Bridge last night as part of BT Sport’s punditry team, was left impressed by Lukaku and claimed to the Daily Mirror that he could help Chelsea lift European silverware yet again.

‘We’re talking about a proven goalscorer, who is 28 and at the peak of his powers,’ Cole was quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

‘He’s the complete package – pace, power, great in the air, a finisher, the lot.

‘When you are the champions of Europe, to defend your title you need the very best players – right here, right now, not next week or next year.

‘This is the right time for him to take on the responsibility and he will give Chelsea that extra four or five per cent which could help them win the Champions League again.’

Pundit says Chelsea have stepped up a level

Lee Dixon believes Chelsea have moved onto a ‘new level’ this season under Thomas Tuchel.

The former England and Arsenal defender told BBC Five Live that the Blues have a ‘winning mentality’ under our German head coach and feels that the addition of Lukaku will help us challenge both domestically and in Europe this term.

‘Chelsea have gone to a new level,’ Dixon told BBC Five Live.

‘The fact they have been playing under Tuchel for a short period of time they are starting to understand the way he wants the game to be played.

‘Their mentality is changing into a winning mentality and to top that, they have brought in a world-class striker at the top of his game.’