In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, teenager Billy Gilmour impressed Chelsea fans in our pre-season opener against Bohemians, Gary Cahill has been linked with a move to Championship side Leeds United and Gonzalo Higuain could be returning to London to join a Premier League side.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Gilmour impresses in pre-season opener
According to the Scottish Sun, Chelsea fans were highly impressed with the performance of Billy Gilmour in the pre-season opener against Bohemians with some comparing the teenager to Spanish greats Andres Iniesta and David Silva.
The 18-year-old midfielder played in the second half of the Blues’ 1-1 draw with the Irish side and went close to scoring twice as he hit the side netting with one attempt and saw another effort tipped wide by Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot.
‘Billy Gilmour looks legit I must say. Big future ahead for him #CFC,’ wrote one fan.
‘Billy Gilmour deserves to be promoted to the first team. Very creative on the ball, good movement and dangerous. Reminds me of Silva or Iniesta,’ added another.
‘Billy Gilmour is our version of David Silva - impressed with his touches and movement. One to look out for in the future,’ stated one more.
Writing about Gilmour in its review of the game, the Sun stated: ‘One of the standout performers in the second 45 minutes, with roaming runs and probing passes. Lampard will have been impressed.’
Cahill linked with Leeds
The Football Insider website is reporting Leeds United as another possible destination for Gary Cahill following his release by Chelsea.
Aston Villa have reportedly been in talks with the former Blues skipper since he became a free agent at the start of July, but his representatives have also reportedly been in negotiations with Leeds, who remained in the Championship after losing in the play-off semi-finals last season.
‘A Leeds source has told Football Insider that the club have been offered Cahill through intermediaries as the 61-cap England international looks to resurrect his career,’ states the website.
‘The 33-year-old is seeking the minimum of a two-year contract and a regular playing role after making just eight appearances in his final season at Chelsea.
‘Leeds are likely to be in the market for a proven centre-back after selling Pontus Jansson to Brentford.
‘Cahill is open to dropping down a division rather than being on the sidelines at a top-flight team, which could be his fate at Villa after they signed Tyrone Mings.’
Higuain heading back to London?
The Daily Mail is reporting Gonzalo Higuain could be set for a quick return to London with West Ham United seeking to sign the Argentinian striker.
The 31-year-old has returned to Juventus after Chelsea opted not to sign him on a permanent basis but it has been reported he has no future with the Serie A club, who have deemed him surplus to requirements.
However, there appears to be interest in Higuain from West Ham, who sold Austrian striker Marko Arnuatovic to Chinese club Shanghai SIPG earlier this week.
‘Higuain could yet be afforded another chance to shine in the English capital, though as, according to Sky Sports Italia, West Ham have proposed a season-long loan deal to bring him to the London Stadium,’ states the report.
‘It's claimed Juventus would prefer to sell the striker outright and are said to value him at around £40million. West Ham's loan offer would likely include an option to buy.’