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

Blues linked with De Ligt

According to SportWitness, a report in Italy suggests Chelsea have identified Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt as a transfer target in the near future.

The report cites a tweet from Calciomercato which states that the 22-year-old Dutch centre-back is ‘very much liked by Chelsea’ and is ‘the first name for reinforcing their defence’.

The former Golden Boy award winner signed a five-year contract with Juve after he joined them from Ajax in 2019 but it is indicated that the Serie A side may be willing to let him leave before his release clause kicks in next year.

‘De Ligt’s 120m euro release clause will be activated upon completion of three years with the Old Lady. In other words, he will have a buyout clause from next summer,’ states the report.

‘It will be the last opportunity’ for Italian side to monetise to the maximum from the Dutchman’s sale. Juve are aware of the possibility, but are looking to postpone the matter.

‘[However] If Chelsea decide to pay his 120m euro release clause and De Ligt is open to a move, there’s not much Juventus will be able to do in that case.’

Gallagher earns Zaha praise

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has praised the impact Conor Gallagher has had on the club since he joined them on loan from Chelsea and tipped the 21-year-old to become a ’top player’ in the future.

Gallagher, who is on a season-long loan at Selhurst Park, has impressed in his first few games for the south London club, scoring twice in their 2-2 draw at West Ham United last month.

And while Zaha feels the young midfielder has already improved Palace, he believes he can get even better in the coming seasons.

‘He’s a very good player to be honest, the thing he brings is that energy that we need, I’m sure everyone has seen it,’ said Zaha as reported by Metro.

‘Having Macca [veteran midfielder James McArthur] next to him as well, he runs around as well. Obviously, it’s been a couple of games but everyone can see Conor’s potential because he’s young, so he’s only going to get better.

‘Having him in the team has improved the team massively because the energy makes a huge difference, he will be a top player, not everyone can go from box-to-box the whole game, so yeah, it makes a huge difference.’

Greaves’ son thanks fans

The son of Chelsea legend Jimmy Greaves has thanked fans for the outpouring of love for his father after his sad passing last weekend.

The plaudits poured in for the former striker and media personality after it was announced he had passed away at the age of 81 with emotional tributes paid to him during the Blues’ Premier League visit to another of his former clubs Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday and our Carabao Cup clash against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Danny Greaves expressed gratitude for the love sent his family’s way.

‘It has been incredible, absolutely incredible and it’s absolutely fantastic and I’m sure dad is smiling down and probably in his usual way saying “well what’s all the fuss about,”’ he said

‘The family are absolutely blown away, it’s amazing, so much warmth, so much kindness, so much support, such lovely words people have written, just unbelievable, it’s incredible.

‘And a big thank you to everybody for their kindness, the flowers, the cards, the words. It’s just amazing, and it’s helping my mum and my brothers and sisters and grandchildren get through what is obviously a difficult time at the moment for everybody.’