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

Shaw reveals Chelsea icon as his role model

England international Luke Shaw has revealed that he would’ve loved to have played alongside Chelsea legend Ashley Cole in his career.

Cole won the Premier League, Champions League and four FA Cups among other honours whilst at the club and Shaw has admitted he grew up wanting to emulate the Blues icon’s success.

‘I loved Ashley Cole growing up but if I said I want to play with him then I wouldn’t be playing!’ Shaw told the Metro.

‘If it wasn’t Ashley Cole, because I always idolised him, then I would say David Beckham because he is a legend for United and England.

‘He is a massive role model to everyone involved in football.

‘With Ashley Cole, I looked up to him. He was one of the best left-backs in the world for a number of years,’ Shaw continued.

‘[He] obviously played for England and I used to go to Chelsea games when I was younger and watch him and with me being a left-back.

‘I always looked up to him and wanted to be like him because if I could be anything like him then you know you are doing something right.’

Blues leading the race for Russian attacker

Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign Dynamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan but the Blues will face serious competition for his signature.

Zakharyan came through the ranks at the Russian club and has since made a stance within the first team.

The promising attacking midfielder made his debut for Dynamo in 2020 and a year later he was playing for the Russian senior team.

‘The 18-year-old is considered Russia’s most exciting prospect for a long time, and his play has attracted interest from a host of clubs,’ a report by TeamTALK states.

‘Sources within Russia believe the Premier League interest could be the most significant with both City and Chelsea looking at him closely.

‘They are not alone, though, with Everton, Leicester, Brighton and Brentford also compiling impressive reports on him.'

Baba Rahman opens up on his time with Reading

Chelsea-loanee Baba Rahman has spoken of his life on loan at Reading in the Championship, in an interview with BerkshireLive.

The left-back moved to Berkshire for the 2021/22 season and has impressed throughout the current campaign.

Rahman was signed by the Blues in 2015, but has spent a large part of his Chelsea career on loan at five different clubs, including German club Schalke and Spanish side Mallorca.

The 27-year-old has admitted he still wants to play in the Premier League and is using this loan as a chance to prove himself again.

‘Yes, for me, [it was] the main reason why I had to stay in England, so it's going to happen if I perform well here...to get myself back in the Premier League.

‘As a team we've had some ups and downs but I am loving my stay here. Things can change quickly - I was expecting that in the Championship before I arrived.'

The Ghanian admitted he is grateful of the support from the Royals fanbase and is enjoying interacting with them online.

‘When I play a game sometimes it's difficult for me to sleep so I just try to engage with some of the fans to see how they are doing.

‘It's really nice, I'm liking how positive they are and how they motivate me. It's important for the fans to know how you feel and for you to express yourself to the fans.’