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

Poulsen feels Werner needs time to settle at Chelsea

RB Leipzig forward Yussuf Poulsen believes Timo Werner will be a big hit with Chelsea but he has called for patience with his former team-mate as he settles in to life in the Premier League, Goal.com reports.

After signing for the Blues in June, Werner began training with Frank Lampard’s side at Cobham last month in preparation for the 2020/21 season.

However, Poulsen expects the German striker to take a bit longer to express his true potential on the field once the new season kicks off in September.

‘I think Timo will be a great striker in the Premier League over the next few years,’ said the Denmark international in an interview with the Sport-Informations-Dienst.

‘Of course, he has to get to know his team-mates and the league first; you can’t show all your qualities right away. But that will come in time.’

Werner enjoyed a career-best season in the Bundesliga in 2019/20, netting 28 goals and providing eight assists to help Leipzig finish third in the table.

Blues reportedly interested in Tagliafico

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have expressed interest in signing left-back Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax.

The report suggests the Argentinian could become the second Ajax player to make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer following the arrival of Hakim Ziyech.

‘The 27-year-old, who scored five goals and supplied five assists in 38 matches for Ajax last season, is currently under contract until the summer of 2022,’ stated the report.

‘Tagliafico, who signed for Ajax in 2018 from Independiente in his homeland, could be viewed by Chelsea as an alternative to their primary left-back target, England international Ben Chilwell.

‘Chelsea have so far failed to reach a deal with Leicester for Chilwell and the two clubs are poles apart on a valuation, although the Foxes are believed to have softened their original demands for an £80m transfer fee.’

Pires names Terry as one of toughest opponents he faced

Former Arsenal winger Robert Pires has said John Terry was one of the toughest players he faced during his playing career, Goal.com reports.

Speaking about his career on the MOTD Top 10 Podcast, the former France international talked about the physicality of playing in the Premier League and the difficulty of playing against the Blues and Manchester United.

‘In the Premier League, it was John Terry and Rio Ferdinand,’ said Pires when asked to name his toughest opponents.

‘Matches against Chelsea and Manchester United were always hard and Terry and Ferdinand were very tough, very physical.

‘Coming from France to play in the Premier League, it was very difficult at the beginning. Arsene Wenger told me: “It's not the same football. It's physical, you need to learn.”

‘My first match was at Sunderland. I was sitting on the bench and after about 20-25 minutes I remember thinking: “Wow, this football is not for me.”’