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

Merson tips Blues as title challengers

Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that he expects Chelsea to be contenders in the Premier League next season and believes the Blues could regain the title within the next four years.

The former Arsenal player feels the Blues have much to build on after watching our 2-1 win over Manchester City last week and taking into account the investment in new players like Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.

‘To go and beat Man City was massive,’ said Merson. ‘It was massive because everyone is looking to close the gap.

‘Chelsea have got nice fixtures between now and the end of the season, so I don't think there's any way they're not finishing in the top four.

‘I don't think they'll win the Premier League next season, but the gap won't be as big,’ he added.

‘They mean business. The owner has been brilliant; he's weighed it up and gone - “Bang! Here's your money”.

‘He's looked at the situation and thought, “Tottenham are struggling, Pep Guardiola won't be at City forever,” and he's trying to get into the top four, close the gap and challenge when they have their chance.

‘With Liverpool putting up records like they have with their players being as good as they are, it's only a matter of time before the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid come calling.

‘In three or four years, I'd be quite shocked if Chelsea don't win the Premier League.’

Trippier insists Blues are Spurs’ biggest rivals

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur full-back Kieran Trippier believes his former club’s rivalry with Chelsea is more intense than the one they have with their traditional enemies Arsenal, TalkSport reports.

The England international is now at Atletico Madrid and while discussing their local rivalry with Real Madrid in the Beautiful Game podcast, he recalled his own previous experience at Spurs.

‘When I was playing for Tottenham I felt, no disrespect to Arsenal, but I didn’t feel like it was our main derby. I felt it was Chelsea. I just felt like the emotion probably,’ said the 29-year-old.

‘Don’t get me wrong Tottenham vs Arsenal is huge to the fans because it is what it is with them.

‘As a player, for me and certainly for a few other players, the Chelsea game was a bigger game for them.’

Remy set to join Italian club

According to the Sun, former Chelsea striker Loic Remy is heading to Italy to join promotion-winning Benevento.

The 33-year-old, who scored seven league goals for the Blues in our Premier League-winning campaign in 2014/15, spent the last two seasons at Lille and scored for the French side on his return to Stamford Bridge for a Champions League match last December.

However, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio indicates he has been offered a three-year contract by the Serie B winners, who are coached by former Italy star striker Filippo Inzaghi.

‘According to Di Marzio, the Frenchman has decided to join runaway Serie B leaders Benevento,’ states the report.

‘Known as The Sorcerers, they conjured up very little magic on their last foray into the top flight two years ago, suffering the ignominy of losing their first 14 games on the way to relegation.

‘Having already sealed the Serie B title with seven games remaining this time around, however, they appear to be better equipped for another crack at the big time - with Remy an ambitious early acquisition.

‘And such is that ambition, that they have reportedly offered the 31-cap former international a three-year contract, despite his advancing years.’