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

Chilwell linked with Blues

The Daily Mail reports Chelsea have emerged as front-runners to sign England international left-back Ben Chilwell from Leicester City once our transfer ban expires.

A product of Leicester’s youth system, Chilwell has established himself in the Foxes’ back four over the past couple of seasons and has played regularly for the national team since his debut against Switzerland last November.

He was linked with Manchester City last summer before the Premier League champions re-signed Angelino from PSV Eindhoven to fill their position at left-back, leaving the Mail to suggest Chelsea are now favourites for the young defender.

‘The Blues have identified Chilwell as a key target for when they are given the green light to buy again,’ states the report.

‘They could make a push to try and sign the 22-year-old England defender as early as January if they are cleared to make signings.

‘City were previously keen on Chilwell who is tied to Leicester until 2024 after signing a new contract a year ago.’

Mikel delighted for Lampard

According to the Sport Witness website, former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi is very happy for former team-mate Frank Lampard after his appointment as the Blues’ head coach, and believes the move signifies how much the club cares for its legend.

The Nigerian is currently at Turkish side Trabzonspor and in an interview with the club’s official magazine, he shared his thoughts on what was happening at Stamford Bridge.

‘I am very happy for Frank. When we were playing at Chelsea, we are expecting that John Terry and he would be very good managers, but we were expecting Terry to reach that level first. But Lampard made a big step,’ said the 32-year-old.

‘His arrival at Chelsea means the club are caring for their legends. I joked with him after the Chelsea move, I want to be his assistant when I retire.

‘I hope he will be successful at Chelsea for many more years. I also want to see John Terry in similar jobs in the future because he was our leader on the pitch.’

Abraham feels running drills are paying off

Speaking to The Athletic*, Tammy Abraham has revealed how Chelsea players were initially unhappy with running drills during pre-season but he believes the hard work is now paying off for the club.

After a tough start, the Blues have settled into a groove in recent weeks with Abraham and fellow Academy graduates Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori rising to the fore.

For Abraham, it is an endorsement of the hard work done by the players before the campaign had even kicked off.

‘I think a lot of players were a bit upset about how much running we had to do in pre-season, but it’s all paying off now,’ said the 22-year-old.

‘It all makes sense why we did it, why we had such a hard pre-season. From when the manager came in he told us the style of play, how he wanted us to play, how to press.

‘At first, I couldn’t do it. I had no energy. But as the season has gone on, I’ve got used to it. Now we know what he wants in the press, so for us, it’s about giving defenders no time on the ball – just rushing them.’

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