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

Chelsea already preparing for summer

Chelsea’s reported number one summer transfer target has been revealed by journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is apparently top of the club’s wish list according to the journalist, after a move was said to be close last summer.

The French international has featured in 19 La Liga matches so far this season and is contracted at the club until June 2024.

‘Chelsea have Jules Kounde as top target in their summer list, as reported days ago,’ Romano tweeted. ‘Not the only candidate - but still appreciated after deal collapsed with Sevilla last August.

‘Sevilla wanted €65/70m last summer.’

Lukaku impresses pundit

BBC pundit Garth Crooks is pleased to see Romelu Lukaku back amongst the goals for Chelsea after two goals in his last two games.

Writing in his weekly Team of the Week article for the BBC website, Crooks named the Belgian in his striker spot after he ‘led the line brilliantly’ against Palmeiras in Saturday’s final.

‘I said Thomas Tuchel would need Romelu Lukaku and so it is proving,’ Crooks said on the BBC website.

‘All credit to Lukaku, who has knuckled down and worked his way back to form with regular appearances, which is all the £97.5m player wanted in the first place.

‘Lukaku led the line brilliantly against Palmeiras and was instrumental in Chelsea winning the Club World Cup for the first time in their history. Not a bad return.’

A great touch from UEFA

UEFA have announced that they will give away 10,000 free tickets to fans of the two sides who make this season’s Champions League final.

Chelsea won the Champions League final last season and are still in the competition this year, with a two-legged knockout tie against Lille coming up.

Aleksander Ceferin, president of UEFA, has said the move is ‘to reward them for their support for European football during the COVID crisis,’ as reported by The Athletic.

‘The governing body will distribute 30,000 free tickets across their club competitions, alongside the 10,000 for the Champions League.

‘They will hand out a further 8,000 tickets for the Europa League final (8,000 tickets) and free tickets to the Europa Conference League final (6,000 tickets), and Women’s Champions League final (6,000 tickets),’ the report states.

‘UEFA will cover the cost of the tickets, ensuring clubs receive the same receipt, and want teams to reward ‘their most loyal fans’.

‘The tickets cannot be given to sponsors, partners, or club officials.

‘The 2021-22 Champions League final is set to be hosted at the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg.’