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

Blues reportedly eye World Cup winner Dembele

Chelsea are being linked to Barcelona and France forward Ousmane Dembele ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.

The tricky French winger has struggled for match fitness across the past few seasons, with numerous injuries hampering his progress at the Nou Camp.

A report by The Hard Tackle, citing Spanish outlet Super Deporte, claims he is now attracting interest from a whole host of top clubs, including the Blues.

‘Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele continues to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs across Europe, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur making an approach for his signing,' the report states.

‘While Barcelona are desperately trying to tie him down to a new deal, Dembele has emerged as a transfer target for several top teams across the continent.

'Reports in Spain claim that both Chelsea and Tottenham have approached Barcelona through their directors over a possible move for Dembele.

‘But with Juventus also in the hunt, along with several other clubs, the 24-year-old could spark a transfer war in the summer should he decide not to extend his contract with Barcelona.

‘It will be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming weeks.’

Broja relishing the chance to shine in the Premier League

Chelsea striker Armando Broja has spoken of his enjoyment of being on loan in the Premier League for the first time with Southampton.

The Albanian has already netted five goals in all competitions for Saints, including three in the Premier League and has impressed at St Mary’s.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, the forward spoke about his experience so far.

‘It’s obviously my first season in the Premier League,' said Broja. 'It’s been crazy.

‘I’m a young player and it’s amazing for everyone to be able to have this opportunity to be in the Premier League and gain experience and become a better player and work with better players.

‘It’s a dream come true. I’m just trying to improve every day and just learn.’

The Saints currently sit 16th in the English top-flight, six points above the drop zone. Broja’s goal last weekend against Brighton was close to being the winner, however a last minute equalsier from the Seagulls ensured they slipped to four games without a victory.

Broja added: ‘Of course there’s always competition. It’s the Premier League, it’s the most difficult league, there’s always going to be competition in the team.

‘It’s good. I’ll just keep my head down and try and help out the team as much as possible and I was thankful that I got a goal (on Saturday), but the main thing is the team. It was just a shame that we couldn’t take the three points.’

Italian great fancies Blues for European glory

2006 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro has backed Chelsea to go on and defend our Champions League crown this season.

The last side to win UEFA’s most coveted prize in back-to-back seasons was Real Madrid in the 2017/18 season, and Thomas Tuchel’s men have already qualified for the knockout stages ahead of their final game in Group H away to Zenit tonight.

Speaking to French outfit Walfoot, the two-time La Liga winner also hinted towards English teams having better preparation techniques.

‘I think Chelsea can do it. They have a great manager in Thomas Tuchel, and a very good team,' Cannavaro explained.

‘Real Madrid did it three years in a row, which was a historical accomplishment for the club and Zidane, but to win the Champions League, you need a lot of things to go your way.

‘For me, English clubs are better prepared.’