In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, there is a transfer link, an interview with a Stamford Bridge loanee and an ex-Blue could return to the Premier League...
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Blues keen on Inter Milan forward
According to the Mirror, Chelsea have added Croatian forward Ivan Perisic to a list of potential transfer targets.
The 32-year-old signed for Inter in 2015, and has scored 49 goals in his 230 appearances so far. He last faced the Blues when he was on-loan at Bayern Munich two seasons ago in the 2019/20 season.
‘Inter Milan and Croatia star Ivan Perisic has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea,’ the report states.
‘The Blues are looking for a player who can operate at left wing-back in tandem with Marcos Alonso following Ben Chilwell’s injury.
‘Perisic has played there for Inter this season and can also provide cover on the right, which appeals to boss Thomas Tuchel.
‘The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and Inter will consider viable offers rather than risk losing him for free in the summer.
‘Tottenham and Arsenal have also shown an interest but a move to Stamford Bridge would appeal to the player ahead of Chelsea’s London rivals.'
Gallagher brushes off Lampard comparisons
Cobham graduate Conor Gallagher says he has a lot of work to do to justify comparisons to Blues icon Frank Lampard.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the midfielder, currently plying his trade on-loan at Crystal Palace, also labelled his parent club as ‘one of the best teams in the world right now’.
‘Let’s be serious... Frank Lampard, I can’t be compared to someone like that!’ Gallagher told Sky Sports, cited by the Evening Standard.
Speaking on his goal against Brighton on Friday night, Gallagher said: ‘I couldn’t be happier when it went in. I was just trying to get contact on it. I did try and get it in the corner, I didn’t even look up I don’t think.’
That goal was his seventh of the season so far, in 18 appearances.
‘We know that Chelsea is one of the best teams in the world right now, it is a tough team to get into,’ Gallagher added.
‘I’m not really thinking about that at the moment, I’ll try and do my best for Crystal Palace.
‘The way football is goals and assists gets you praise like I have been getting. I need to continue to perform, not just goals and assists but I am happy with the way it is going so far.’
Arsenal enquire about ex-Chelsea striker
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa is reportedly a target for Arsenal this month.
Diego Costa left Atletico Mineiro earlier this month after his contract was terminated and reports suggests the Gunners are the latest club to express an interest in the free agent.
A story by Goal indicates Arsenal have made their first steps in persuading the striker to join Mikel Arteta’s side.
‘Close to making the termination of his contract with Atlético-MG official, Diego Costa has been arousing the interest of several clubs in the market,’ the story states.
‘According to Goal, in recent days it was Arsenal's turn, from England, to make an informal consultation to find out about the player's plans.
‘So far, however, there is no official proposal from the Gunners for the player, who is on vacation in Spain and also attracts the interest of Corinthians.’