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

Blues interested in De Ligt

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Dutch centre-back Matthijs De Ligt.

According to Sports Witness, the Blues have now turned their attention to the Juventus defender after trying to sign a centre-back in the summer.

‘Thomas Tuchel’s side and the Old Lady are pitted in the same group in the Champions League,’ the report states. ‘The two matches between the pair will allow the west London club to watch the defender more closely.

‘Having failed to land Jules Kounde, the European champions are seriously thinking of signing the Netherlands international.’

The 22-year-old is reportedly seen as an important figure for the Italian giants. Juventus signed the centre-back from Ajax in 2019 after their impressive Champions League run.

De Ligt’s contract expires in 2024 and he has been seen as a future Juventus captain.

Souness lauds Lukaku

Graeme Souness has labelled Romelu Lukaku as ‘near enough the complete striker’ after the forward’s brace against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit praised the 28-year-old after his fantastic Premier League return.

‘If they keep Lukaku fit, he’s the main man,’ Souness said. ‘He is goals. When you have someone who can get you goals out of nothing.

‘I see Chelsea as very dangerous as long as they can keep their main players fit. By main players, I mean Lukaku.’

The Belgian is tied second top goal scorer in the Premier League so far this season. The Blues will now start our Champions League title defence when we face Zenit St Petersburg tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge.

‘He’s a proper team player,’ Souness added. ‘He’s grown up since he played in Italy. He learnt what the team does is the only thing that matters.

‘He’s near enough the complete striker. He’s not brilliant at anything, but he’s very good at everything.’

Neville backs Chelsea for title challenge

Gary Neville believes the Blues will be ‘very difficult to stop’ after our impressive start to the Premier League season.

Speaking on his podcast, the former Manchester United defender praised Chelsea’s performance against Aston Villa.

‘I went home to watch the Chelsea versus Villa game and Villa played well, and Villa are a decent side, but Chelsea again, just like robotic, methodical.

‘When they scored that first goal, Lukaku, I just thought, “Ooh, it’s ominous”. The striker scoring, guaranteed, the players in behind him, a good midfield. They’re going to be very difficult to stop.’

The Blues are now tied top with Manchester United and Liverpool after four games and looking to continue their unbeaten run this season.

‘We’ve watched them now two or three times this season,’ Neville added. ‘I watched them against Liverpool at Anfield and it was a real performance.

‘They’re just a good team.’