In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, the Blues are linked with a move for Wigan’s Joe Gelhardt, the club’s Premier League squad is confirmed and Tiemoue Bakayoko insists his move to Monaco is not a step down.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Bakayoko speaks
Tiemoue Bakayoko has addressed the media in Monaco following the completion of his season-long loan move from Chelsea, and according to the Metro the Frenchman insisted he is not taking a step back by rejoining the Ligue 1 side.
The midfielder spent last season at AC Milan before returning to Chelsea to work under Frank Lampard over the summer. He was allowed to leave on loan and has explained what he wants to achieve with the principality side.
‘Lots of people will perhaps say that I am taking a step back by coming to Monaco but I see it differently,’ Bakayoko said.
‘My two experiences abroad allowed me to play a lot, contrary to what a lot of people have said. I want to try to perform well on the pitch to help the club reach its objectives.
‘I come back with a new standing, I really want to bring to this group what I have learned and to try to transmit more confidence here.’
Premier League squad announced
Frank Lampard’s squad for this season has been confirmed by the Premier League following the closure of the European transfer window.
It includes five homegrown players: Ross Barkley, Andreas Christensen, Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The remaining 14 players are: Marcos Alonso, Kepa, Cesar Azpilicueta, Michy Batshuayi, Willian, Willy Caballero, Olivier Giroud, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Emerson, Pedro, Toni Rudiger and Kurt Zouma.
Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and Jamie Cumming are all classified as Under-21 players and do not impact the 25-man squad registration.
Chelsea interested in Wigan youngster
According to the Daily Mirror, the Blues are one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on Wigan striker Joe Gelhardt.
The 17-year-old is seen as a future star and made his Wigan debut in the Carabao Cup last August. He has since played two league games for the Latics, including off the bench in their goalless draw against Barnsley on Saturday, and is a member of England’s Under-18 squad for forthcoming matches against Brazil, Australia and South Korea.
The Mirror reports Liverpool and Everton are among the other clubs interested in the striker, who scored against Burnley in pre-season.