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

Chilwell, Ziyech linked with Blues

According to ESPN.com, Chelsea have identified Leicester defender Ben Chilwell and Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech as priority summer transfer targets

The website reports the club are also interested in signing Napoli forward Dries Mertens but are unlikely to pursue the Belgian because of his high asking price.

‘Frank Lampard has been given the green light to rebuild his squad in the summer, with substantial funds available following the lifting of the club’s two-window transfer ban,’ states the report.

‘Chilwell, 23, and Morocco international Ziyech, 26, are top of Lampard's hit-list as he attempts to replace title-winning left-back Marcos Alonso and add more creativity to his team's attacking options.

‘Sources have told ESPN that Lampard had been keen to sign Belgium striker Mertens this month, but the 32-year-old has shown little appetite to leave Napoli, who have placed a prohibitive £40 million price tag on the former PSV Eindhoven forward.

‘While Chelsea could renew their interest in Mertens at the end of the season, efforts will initially focus on overcoming interest from Manchester City and Manchester United in England full-back Chilwell.’

Pedro wanted by Roma?

After being linked with moves to clubs in Japan and the United States earlier this week, Pedro now appears to have attracted interest from Italian giants Roma, according to the Daily Mail.

Citing a report by Sky Sports Italia, the paper indicates the Serie A side have made contact with Chelsea over the Spanish winger as they look to bolster their squad in the midst of an injury crisis.

‘Roma have been forced into the market after watching a number of their stars fall to injury, with the physio room starting to become a crowded place,’ states the report.

‘Nicolo Zaniolo is out for the rest of the season after rupturing his cruciate ligament, while Davide Zappacosta, on loan from Chelsea, should be out until at least March with the same problem.

‘Arsenal loanee Henrikh Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, has a muscle strain and winger Mirko Antonucci has been ruled out with an ankle blow. Amadou Diawara rounds off their fitness woes as he is carrying a knee problem.

‘Roma are therefore looking to bolster their squad as they look to maintain their grip on the final Champions League place this season. Paulo Fonseca's men are fourth but just one point above challengers Atalanta, and the experience of Pedro would be a huge asset.’

Dutch giants mull Baker move

A report in the Netherlands indicates Lewis Baker could be returning to the Eredivisie to join Feyenoord on loan, states the Inside Futbol website.

Baker is back with the Blues after spending the first half of the season at German Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf but he could go out on loan again before the winter transfer window closes later this week.

According to Dutch daily De Telegraaf, Feyenoord see the 24-year-old as an alternative if they fail to sign Turkish star Oguzhan Ozyakup from Besiktas.

‘The Rotterdam-based club have identified Besiktas player Ozyakup as the right candidate and are hopeful of striking a loan deal for the 27-year-old,’ states the report.

‘However, if the unexpected occurs and they fail to take the Turkish international at De Kuip, Feyenoord have an alternative option lined up in Baker.

‘If Feyenoord are to make a loan move for the midfielder and sign him, it would see Baker return to the Netherlands for a second time, having spent two seasons at Vitesse between 2015 and 2017.’