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

Chelsea among clubs eyeing Alvarez

Three Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, are monitoring Ajax and Mexico holding midfielder Edson Alvarez, according to reports.

A story by Football Insider suggests the Dutch club are bracing themselves for offers for the Mexican, with numerous clubs closely monitoring his performances in the Eredivisie.

‘Chelsea, Leicester City and Crystal Palace are lining up offers for Ajax star Edson Alvarez, Football Insider understands,’ the report states.

‘The defensive midfielder, 24, who can also play at centre-back, has established himself as one of the Dutch giant’s top players since arriving from CF America in 2019.

‘A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Chelsea, Leicester and Palace have all been making regular checks on Alvarez this season.’

The report adds that the Dutch side have no intention to part ways with the Mexican but understand that each player has their value.

‘Ajax are keen to keep hold of Alvarez but know they face a battle to fend off the growing interest in him this month. They are braced for offers from the Premier League trio.’

Van der Vaart praises Ziyech

Former Holland international Raphael Van der Vaart believes Hakim Ziyech showed ‘real quality’ in our win over Tottenham at the weekend.

The Moroccan opened the scoring in the 2-0 home victory with a stunning strike, curling home from outside the box with his effort clipping the underside of the bar en route to finding the top corner and leaving Hugo Lloris with no chance.

Van der Vaart, a former Spurs midfielder, was covering the game in a media capacity for BBC Radio 5 Live and was full of praise for Ziyech - a player he knows well from his time at Ajax.

‘I know him well from his time at Ajax,’ Van der Vaart told BBC Radio 5 Live.

‘This is such an amazing player with real quality on the ball. I’m so happy for him that he’s now [playing] the way he played in Holland.

‘Of course, for me, it was a bit of a pity it was against Tottenham given my links with Spurs but it was a stunning goal and one of his best games until now for Chelsea.’

Araujo reportedly turns down new Barcelona contract

Spanish outlet Marca are reporting that Ronald Araujo has snubbed a new deal at Barcelona.

The defender, linked in recent weeks with a switch to Chelsea, has impressed at the Nou Camp this season and the La Liga giants want to tie him down to a long-term contract at the club.

However reports suggest that Barcelona are yet to offer what the player wants in terms of wages and his supposed rejection of a latest contract has put Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool on high-alert to his situation.

‘Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has rejected the club's first offer of a new contract, putting Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool on high alert,’ the report states.

‘The 22-year-old has been one of Barcelona's best defenders this year but has not signed a new contract since he joined the first team in October 2020, meaning he remains on a comparatively meagre salary.

‘United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all tracking the situation, with all three more than happy to pay him what he deserves if he joins in the summer, when his Barcelona contract will have just 12 months left to run.

‘The belief is that Araujo wants to stay at Barcelona and the club definitely want to keep him, but Marca note that the first round of contract talks have ended without a positive resolution.

‘Araujo has rejected Barcelona's opening offer, believing that he deserves more money as a permanent starter.

‘A new round of contract talks are expected to start soon enough, but Araujo has made it clear that Barcelona must increase their offer and prove just how much they want to keep him.’