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

Chelsea linked with Serie A’s top goalscorer

The Blues are reportedly one of a number of Premier League clubs to have expressed an interest in signing Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

He is the current top goalscorer in Serie A with 16 goals in 19 outings this season, and is being linked with a whole host of top European clubs as he enters the final 18 months of his contract in Florence.

‘Chelsea are one of four clubs in the race for Dusan Vlahovic, according to reports in Italy, where a move to Arsenal or Tottenham is also being ruled out.

‘Fiorentina are considering a sale given Vlahovic's stock is currently sky-high as he enters the final 18 months of his contract,’ the report in the Express states.

‘There appears to be no way back for him in Florence - despite being offered the chance to become the highest-paid player in La Viola's history.

‘Instead, Vlahovic wants to make the next step in his career after matching Cristiano Ronaldo's calendar year record of 33 goals in 2021.'

The 21-year-old has been given a hefty price tag by the Italian side in a bid to fend off any interest.

‘His club are currently looking for around £65million to let him leave but so far, nobody looks willing to pay that this month.

‘According to Tuttomercato in Italy, Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona or Juventus are the four likely destinations when he does eventually leave Fiorentina.’

Contingency plan in place for wing-back dilemma

Chelsea have reportedly finalised their plans to counteract their issues at wing-back, with our priority being to recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan at Lyon, according to Goal.

The Blues are likely to be without Ben Chilwell for the remainder of the season, while Reece James picked up a hamstring injury in the clash with Brighton last Wednesday.

‘Reece James is out for at least five more weeks, leaving Tuchel looking to Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic to fill in in the interim,’ the report by Goal states.

‘Everton's Lucas Digne is an option for Chelsea, but they are first attempting to recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan with Lyon.

‘Tuchel prefers Emerson, having coached him last season, and been impressed with his attitude, application and ability.

‘There is no simple way to end his loan, however, due to terms in the contract favouring the Ligue 1 club. If Chelsea fail to recall Emerson, a loan signing could be sanctioned instead.’

Cesar Azpilicueta and Christian Pulisic have both filled in James’ right wing-back void in our last two games.

‘Similarly, on the right-hand side, the Blues are looking at their options, with Blackpool loanee Dujon Sterling available to be recalled until January 14,’ the report concludes.

Alexander-Arnold hails ‘world-class’ Mendy

Liverpool and England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has picked out Edouard Mendy as a huge factor in why Liverpool only left Stamford Bridge with a point.

The defender has labelled Edou as ‘world-class’ after his performance against the Reds at the weekend, where he faced six shots on target.

‘It was an even second half,’ Alexander-Arnold told Liverpool’s official website, cited by Metro.

‘They probably had a lot more of the ball than us, especially in our defensive third and in and around our box, but we defended well and didn’t give them too many chances.

‘When Caoimh was needed he’s pulled off two world-class saves in the first and second half and he’s stepped into Ali’s shoes and done really well today.

‘It’s a credit to him, but we defended well and never gave them too many chances and we had the better chances in the second half.

‘But when you are up against a world-class team with a world-class goalkeeper he makes world-class saves. So, like I said, I think a point apiece is fair.’