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

Blues linked with Hakimi

The Blues are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan full-back Achraf Hakimi in the summer.

According to The Telegraph, the current financial uncertainty surrounding Inter Milan could force them to sell star players, including the former Real Madrid man.

The Moroccan international has been a key player for former Blues manager Antonio Conte and was also impressive during his two-year loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.

The report states that Chelsea are set to fight it out with Arsenal for the full-back in the summer. Both clubs are said to have been monitoring Hakimi since his youth days at Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old has picked up six goals and five assists in all competitions this season.

Merson impressed with Tuchel

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has been impressed with Thomas Tuchel’s start at Chelsea.

Writing in his Sky Sports column, Merson gave the German boss an ‘A+’ for his performance as Blues manager so far this season.

‘Everything is going for well for Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel at the moment,’ the pundit said. ‘They’ve had two big results against Liverpool and Everton to continue what has been an unbelievable run.

‘When you are winning every week that’s what happens.’

Tuchel extended his unbeaten run to 11 games after our 2-0 win against Everton on Monday night. He also became the first manager to keep a clean sheet in his first five home games.

The Blues also have a narrow advantage in our Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid after a 1-0 victory in the first leg.

‘I like the manager,’ he continued. ‘He looks good and has made a really impressive start at Stamford Bridge.

‘If you were a schoolteacher, you’d say A+’

Former team-mate praises Thiago Silva’s influence

Thiago Silva’s former team-mate and countryman Marquinhos has praised the 36-year-old for the impact he has on his colleagues.

Speaking to RTL Foot, the Brazilian spoke about Thiago Silva’s influence in the dressing room when they were playing together at Paris Saint-Germain.

‘I love playing with great players,’ Marquinhos revealed. ‘Thiago Silva, it was exceptional to play alongside him.

‘I learned a lot of things just by watching him play in training. It was important for my experience.’

The former Paris Saint-Germain captain has had the same impact since his move to Stamford Bridge.

Since his arrival, he has reportedly been heavily involved with the improvement of the young centre-backs at the club like Kurt Zouma. Marquinhos remains very grateful for Thiago Silva’s impact on team-mates in Paris, where he won 25 trophies in eight years.

‘I made good progress alongside him,’ he added. ‘Presnel Kimpembe the same. He also took advantage when Thiago Silva was there.

‘We three exchanged a lot to improve, to push each other.’