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

Dembele bid reportedly turned down

Sky Sports reports Chelsea have had an offer for Moussa Dembele turned down by Lyon with the French side keen to hold on to their star striker during the transfer window.

The former Celtic forward, who has scored 30 goals since moving to Lyon in the summer of 2018, has been heavily linked with the Blues in recent weeks but the Ligue 1 club released a statement on Thursday which outlined their intent not to let him leave.

‘Olympique Lyonnais has taken note of certain information relayed by the media suggesting that Moussa Dembele could interest other clubs during this transfer window,’ read the statement.

‘We would like to reaffirm its wish, as in the summer of 2019, to keep Moussa Dembele.

‘The club has full confidence in Moussa and counts in particular on him to build a successful team for the seasons to come.’

According to Sky Sports, the Blues have had a £34m bid rejected for the 23-year-old who played for France at youth level.

Villa want Batshuayi on loan

According to Goal.com, Aston Villa are interested in signing Michy Batshuayi on loan but the Blues are reportedly reluctant to sanction the deal for the Belgian.

The Midlands club are believed to have made an enquiry on Batshauyi’s availability after they suffered a serious injury blow in their 2-1 win at Burnley on New Year’s Day.

‘The Belgium international is being targeted by Dean Smith's side following a serious injury for starting striker Wesley against Burnley,’ states the report.

‘Wesley, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that is set to see him miss the rest of the season

‘Goal can confirm that Villa have made an enquiry regarding the availability of Belgium international Batshuayi, with Dean Smith keen to bring him to Villa Park until the end of the season.

‘Frank Lampard does not want to see Batshuayi depart this month, though the introduction of attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window could alter his thinking.’

Kepa in team of the week

BBC pundit Garth Crooks has included Kepa Arrizabalaga in his team of the week after the player's goalkeeping heroics in the Blues’ 1-1 draw at Brighton on New Year’s Day.

In explaining his inclusion of the Spaniard, the former England forward highlighted two big second-half saves by the Spaniard which helped us to earn a point at the Amex Stadium.

‘The first save, at full stretch, from Aaron Connolly was sensational and his second with his feet from Neal Maupay was almost as good but just as important,’ said Crooks.

‘Despite him making my Team of the Week before, I've never been totally convinced by the performances of Kepa Arrizabalaga. He appears to be a very competent shot-stopper but not as commanding on crosses or set-pieces.

‘However, the Spain international dug Chelsea out of a very difficult period towards the end of this fixture and was the reason Brighton did not come away with all the points.’