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

Blues eye deal for French striker

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for Ligue 1 striker Hugo Ekitike, who is currently impressing at Reims.

That is according to the Mirror, who state in their report that the striker may cost over £33 million.

‘Chelsea are reportedly lining up a £33million bid for highly-rated Reims striker Hugo Ekitike,' the report states.

‘The 19-year-old has impressed for the French club this season, bagging nine goals and two assists in 20 Ligue 1 matches,’ the report states.

‘Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also said to be keen on bringing in the young Frenchman, although Borussia Dortmund could provide the main competition for his signature.

‘That is due to reports that the German side want Ekitike to replace Erling Haaland, who appears set to depart the club when a £67million release clause kicks in on his contract this summer.’

Trio of London clubs in for Sosa

Chelsea will face competition from two London rivals if we want to secure the signature of Borna Sosa from Stuttgart, as per reports.

The left-back was a reported January target for the Blues but were ‘unsuccessful in their pursuit’, according to The Sun.

‘Arsenal and Tottenham have reportedly joined Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Stuttgart defender Borna Sosa,’ the report states.

‘Chelsea tried to sign Sosa in the January transfer window but were unsuccessful in their pursuit of the left-back.

‘And according to Bild's Christian Falk, Arsenal and Spurs have joined European champions Chelsea in the race to sign him,' the report adds.

‘All three clubs would look to capture Sosa, 24, in the summer transfer window,’ the report continues. ‘Stuttgart knocked back Chelsea's approach by slapping a £25million price tag on his head.’

Chelsea players confirm idols growing up

Numerous Chelsea stars have revealed their footballing idols growing up in a video for BT Sport’s YouTube channel.

Several Chelsea icons managed to get honourable mentions from current Blues players.

Right-back Reece James outlined one frontman as his biggest influence.

‘My favourite player growing up was [Didier] Drogba. He was scoring goals, I was a striker when I was young,’ Reece said.

Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher also answered the question. ‘Frank Lampard,’ he replied.

Mason Mount couldn’t choose just one player to put forward, but it came as no surprise to see several midfielders on the list. ‘I had a few,’ Mason admitted. ‘Lampard, Modric, Xavi, Iniesta.’

West Ham captain Declan Rice, who grew up in the Chelsea Academy, still picks out one man as a cut above the rest when he was growing up.

‘John Terry,' the England international stated. 'His leadership, the way he played, the way he applied himself on the pitch. He was everything I want to be as a footballer.’