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

Chelsea seeking loan deal for Coutinho?

According to Spanish daily Sport, Chelsea are in negotiations with Barcelona on a deal for Philippe Coutinho and could bring him to Stamford Bridge on loan next season

The Brazilian midfielder has struggled to make an impact at the La Liga side since he was signed from Liverpool in January 2018 and is currently on a season-long loan at Bayern Munich.

However, with the German side appearing unwilling to turn the loan into a permanent deal, the report indicates he could return to the Premier League with Chelsea a leading contender for his services.

‘Barca is doing its utmost to ensure that the negotiations reach a successful conclusion as soon as possible,’ states the report.

‘The Blaugrana put Coutinho on the market in January and their representatives have focused their efforts on the Premier League. At the moment, there are negotiations with Chelsea and there is some optimism a deal could be concluded although it is unclear what will happen in June 2021.

‘Barca would like to include a mandatory purchase option of a little more than 65 million euros before June 30, but Chelsea would prefer it to be optional even if the loan amount was higher.’

Rudiger in talks on new deal

Sky Sports reports Chelsea have held initial talks with Antonio Rudiger about a new long-term contract.

Having signed a five-year deal when he joined the Blues from Roma in 2017, Rudiger appears to be in line for a new contract after establishing himself at the heart of our defence over the past three years.

‘The Blues want the German defender to sign a three-year deal that also includes the option of a further year,’ states the report.

‘An agreement is not close and discussions have been somewhat interrupted by the postponement of the season due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

‘Nevertheless, Chelsea have been impressed with Rudiger's performances since returning from a groin injury in December and want to tie him down until at least 2023.‘The 27-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2022, is emerging as one of Europe's top centre-backs and is especially highly-rated in his home country, with both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund among his admirers.’

Giroud discussing new contract?

Goal.com reports Olivier Giroud could be staying at Chelsea next season after nearly leaving the club during the January transfer window.

The striker’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season but the report suggests his form before the Covid-19 stoppage, which saw him scoring twice in five consecutive starts for the Blues, has convinced the club to discuss a new deal.

‘Chelsea have opened talks with Olivier Giroud's representatives over a new contract,’ states the report.

‘The 33-year-old was resurgent before the Premier League stopped due to the coronavirus outbreak, after previously falling out of favour under Frank Lampard ahead of the winter transfer window.

‘Inter Milan were the closest team to signing Giroud in January but Chelsea failed to find any attacking replacements to join in the window, leading to them keeping the France international.

‘Inter had verbally agreed on a deal with Giroud and he will likely get similar terms if he re-joins his old manager Antonio Conte, with a two-and-a-half-year contract having already been discussed.

‘Chelsea, meanwhile, are only likely to offer a one-year deal due to their policy of short-term contracts for over-30 players, but they have recently broken their policy in certain circumstances.’