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

Blues face competition for Menino

Chelsea are reportedly keeping an eye on Palmeiras midfielder Gabriel Menino.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blues are set to fight it out for the 20-year-old with some of the top European clubs.

The Brazilian side are keen to move the player on to help the club with the financial problems they’ve suffered during the pandemic.

Menino is a box-to-box midfielder and has been described as the Brazilian Yaya Toure. His versatility also allows him to play as a right-back.

Palmeiras are willing to let Menino leave this summer for £13 million which will attract plenty of European clubs.

The report states that if the Blues want to sign Menino, they’ll have to fight off interest from Tottenham, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.

Gundogan backs Havertz

Ilkay Gundogan has praised his international team-mate Kai Havertz for the quality he is showing in his debut season with the Blues.

Speaking before Germany’s World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia, the Manchester City midfielder said he believes the 21-year-old has all the tools to become a success in England.

‘Havertz is exceptionally good technically,’ Gundogan told reporters. ‘I think it is great that at his age he had the courage to take the step abroad.’

Havertz has been impressive for Germany and has repaid national team coach Joachim Low’s faith in him. He was on the scoresheet in their 3-0 win over Iceland and assisted Serge Gnabry’s winner against Romania.

‘He has played a lot of good games for Chelsea,’ Gundogan continued. ‘It is normal for everything not to work out in the first season.

‘He has sensational qualities and will make a big statement in the Premier League.’

Gallagher on lessons learnt at West Brom

Conor Gallagher has revealed he is learning plenty of lessons during his loan at West Bromwich Albion.

Speaking to goal.com, the midfielder discussed the step up he has made in his development by playing in the Premier League.

‘I was excited to play in the Premier League after a step up from the Championship last season,’ the 20-year-old said. ‘I’ve loved every minute of it and hopefully, I’ll keep developing and improving.

‘It’s been a tough season at West Brom so far, so doing the dirty side of the game, the work off the ball is important.’

Playing at The Hawthorns is Gallagher’s third loan spell, after impressing at Charlton Athletic and Swansea City. As he has future hopes of playing for the Blues in Premier League one day he is learning lessons on the league every day.

‘Premier League quality will punish you if you switch off,’ he continued. ‘You need to be concentrated and focused.

‘I’ve learnt a lot already in two years. Hopefully, I can continue to learn as a player.’