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

Bakayoko wants to remain with the Blues

Tiemoue Bakayoko’s brother and agent has told French paper L’Equipe that the midfielder wants to stay at Chelsea and make an impression on his return to Stamford Bridge after a year on loan at AC Milan.

‘There are some pretty interesting, quite big clubs that have inquired, but we give priority to Chelsea,’ said Abdoulaye Bakayoko of his brother’s plans for next season.

‘We already know, there is the Champions League and we are looking for stability. Tiemoue has decided to stay there.’

The 24-year-old was signed from Monaco in the summer of 2017 but had a patchy maiden campaign with the Blues despite playing 43 times including the full 90 minutes of our FA Cup final win against Manchester United.

He moved to Milan last August following the arrival of Jorginho from Napoli and while he gradually rediscovered his form during his spell in Serie A, he was unable to help the Rossoneri to secure a spot in the Champions League and was not retained by them on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

Jorginho has improved at Chelsea: Mancini

According to the Football Italia website, Italy manager Roberto Mancini believes that Jorginho has improved as a player because of the experience of playing for Chelsea in the Premier League.

Speaking after his side’s 3-0 away win over Greece in the Euro 2020 qualifiers during the weekend, the former Manchester City boss outlined how the Brazil-born midfielder has benefitted from playing in the high tempo atmosphere of the Premier League.

‘We played very well in the first half and didn’t allow Greece to do anything,’ he said in the post-match press conference.

‘One of the reasons why we concede so little is that the midfielders hold the ball well and stay in advanced positions. The forwards are also aggressive and make it difficult for the opposition to get a rhythm going.

‘Jorginho was already doing well at Napoli, but perhaps playing in England has given him more experience in dealing with a higher tempo and referees who let play run more.

‘Greece are in reality a great passing team, so we created problems for them and they couldn’t play their football.’

James injury not as bad as feared

The Sun is reporting that the ankle injury suffered by Reece James while playing for England Under-20s at the Toulon Tournament is not as serious as initially feared.

The Chelsea defender had to be stretchered off in the first half but it has been suggested that he only suffered a sprain and could be ready for the start of pre-season training in July.

According to the Sun’s report: ‘There were concerns that the 19-year-old full-back had broken an ankle when he went down in the 37th minute against Chile on Friday.

‘He needed oxygen on the pitch but scans showed no break for the teenager.

‘And now he is set to be sidelined for a month.’

James was Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year in 2018 and impressed on loan at Wigan last season when he was named in the Championship Team of the Year.