In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, we have speculation concerning three players who are currently on the books at Stamford Bridge.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Giroud agrees Inter deal?
According to the Daily Mail, Olivier Giroud has already agreed personal terms with Inter Milan and will join them as a free agent this summer.
Citing reports from Italy, the paper suggests the Italian club have successfully completed the signing of the French striker after failing to secure a deal with Chelsea during the January transfer window.
‘Reports surfaced earlier this month that Chelsea were looking to extend his deal beyond the end of the current season, but Tuttosport now claim that Giroud has made up his mind to move to Serie A,’ states the Mail.
‘He would therefore move to Inter on a free transfer, with the report claiming he is set to sign a two-year contract with Antonio Conte's men with an option of a third year.
‘If he does join Inter, Gazetta dello Sport claim Giroud could earn around £110,000-per-week, which would be in line with the wages of some of the Italian club's top earners.
‘Giroud turns 34 in September and scored three goals in just 13 competitive games for Chelsea this season.’
Ex-Magpie suggests Newcastle should sign Willian
Former Newcastle United defender Warren Barton has told TalkSport the Magpies should look to sign Willian on a free transfer if the takeover of the club is completed.
With talk about a takeover by a Saudi-led group heating up, Barton has suggested the club should look to hire Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager and bring in an experienced player like Willian to balance out the young squad at St James’ Park.
‘The academy needs looking after and a reboot. And going forward, [the club shoud be] looking at players like Willian who is up for a free transfer,’ said Barton, who spent seven years as a player at Newcastle.
‘They are the type of players that you need, to bed them in and mix experienced and younger players.’
Pochettino has been out of coaching since his departure from Tottenham Hotspur last November but Barton feels his former club should look to bring him in to replace current manager Steve Bruce.
‘He’s ambitious, he’s great with young players, he understands the Premier League… and I think he’s got a chip on his shoulder now to come back and prove people wrong,’ added Barton.
‘I think he is ready-made for the club, and his hunger to be successful will go right the way through the club and the fans.’
Van Ginkel unclear on Chelsea future
Football Oranje reports Marco van Ginkel is unclear about his footballing future but the Dutch midfielder feels he could still make his mark as a Chelsea player.
The 27-year-old joined the Blues from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 but his Chelsea career has been hampered by injuries including a knee problem which has sidelined him for the past two years.
While Van Ginkel appears to be nearing full fitness again, the COVID-19 crisis has created more uncertainty about his future in the game.
‘I have no idea what is going to happen. Chelsea should let me know what it plans to do next month. I’ll call them in a few weeks,’ he said in an interview with Voetbal International.
‘Due to the current crisis, it may just be that a lot is changing in terms of contracts and salaries in football. These are uncertain times for many people. We’ll just wait and see.
‘They [Chelsea] can also think; we have invested a lot in that boy and now he is finally fit. Let’s keep him.’