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

Blues eye late Mertens deal

The Evening Standard reports Chelsea are exploring the possibility of signing Dries Mertens from Napoli before the transfer window closes on Friday.

Earlier reports suggested the Belgian might be too pricey for the Blues but with Mertens entering the last few months of his contract at Napoli, it appears the Italian side may be more willing to do business now.

‘The 32-year-old is out of contract until the end of the season and is thought to be keen on staying at the Serie A club until the summer,’ states the report.

‘However, that situation could change if the Blues are able to agree a fee with Napoli and offer a financial package tempting enough to move to west London.

‘Mertens, who has scored 88 league goals in 221 appearances, represents a cheaper option than Edinson Cavani, who is the same age but on £360,000-a-week at Paris Saint-Germain.

‘Napoli may be reluctant to lose Mertens given they are languishing in 10th place in Serie A and have a Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona to come.’

Lazio make Giroud bid

According to the Daily Mail, Olivier Giroud’s prospective move to Inter Milan appears to have fallen through but there is still strong interest in the French striker in Italy with Lazio making a late bid for his services.

The paper reports that the Roman club have made a late approach for the 33-year-old with Tottenham Hotspur also expressing interest in the former Arsenal player.

‘With the Euros coming up this summer, Giroud is in need of consistent playing time to make it into Didier Deschamp's squad for the tournament,’ states the report.

‘Giroud had been linked with a move to Antonio Conte's Inter Milan this month. However, that transfer has gone cold and is unlikely to happen.

‘Reports on Wednesday suggested that Spurs may be interested in securing the services of Giroud to cover for the injured Harry Kane. However, the striker's allegiances to Chelsea and Arsenal make that move complicated, although he is keen to stay in London.

‘Italian side Lazio have approached Chelsea over their back up striker. Ciro Immobile has fired Simone Inzaghi's side to third in Serie A, having scored 23 goals in 20 league games this season.’

Barca to bid for Willian again?

According to Sky Sports, Barcelona are said to be making a bid to sign Willian this month after their previous offers for the Brazilian were reportedly turned down by Chelsea.

The La Liga side have been long-term admirers of the Brazilian and were reported to have tabled bids to bring him to the Nou Camp during previous transfer windows.

Although Willian could become a free agent in the summer if he doesn’t renew his current contract with the Blues, the report indicates Barca are trying to head off competition from other clubs for the 31-year-old.

‘With competition growing to sign Willian on a free contract in July, Barca are looking to steal a march on a number of top European teams and land him for a fee, believed to be £20m, before Friday's deadline,’ states the report.

‘Barcelona launched a series of bids for Willian in the summer of 2018, the last of which topped £55m, which were all rejected by Chelsea.

‘He has won two Premier League titles, a League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League during his time at Stamford Bridge.’