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

Werner keen on Premier League switch

The Evening Standard suggests Timo Werner could join Chelsea this summer after the RB Leipzig striker revealed he is interested in playing for a Premier League club.

Citing an interview in German newspaper Kicker, the Standard reported the 23-year-old is exploring his options and feels he would have ‘fun’ playing in England.

‘I can generally imagine playing abroad one day, although I don't have any specific club where I want to be,’ said Werner, who has scored 25 goals in 28 appearances this season.‘I am open for everything. I was over in America for a holiday recently and English football was on all of the time. That's an exclamation mark for the Premier League. But there are also big, famous clubs and it would certainly be fun playing there.

‘When you score 20 goals as a 23-year-old in a season then, of course, there is interest,’ he added. ‘That's clear.

‘But, right now, I am not thinking about what happens in the future. We are going into many important games. That's what I want to focus on now. I can still contemplate my future later.’

Rudiger in player power ranking

Antonio Rudiger has moved into the top-10 on Sky Sports’ player power ranking after scoring a brace and putting in a strong performance in our 2-2 draw at Leicester City last weekend.

The power ranking measures the current form of players at Premier League clubs and Rudiger is 10th in the latest list after netting his first Premier League goals since October 2018 in our top-four clash with the Foxes.

The Liverpool trio of Alisson, Mohamed Salah and Jordan Henderson occupy the top three spots in the ranking while the Blues have two players in the top-20 with Cesar Azpilicueta occupying 15th spot.

Rudiger was also selected by Garth Crooks in the BBC’s team of the week in a three-man defence alongside former Blue Nathan Ake and Everton’s Yerry Mina.

‘Antonio Rudiger was on hand to rescue Chelsea from defeat,’ said the former England forward.

‘His second goal was one of the best headed goals I've seen this season.’

James one of Europe’s best youngsters

TalkSport has rated Reece James as one of the top young players in Europe.

In its look at the best youngsters currently playing in Europe’s top five leagues, the broadcaster has placed James in a tie for ninth place with Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali.

‘Having scooped up Wigan Athletic’s Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Goal of the Season last season, there was a lot of fanfare over 20-year-old James – especially with Chelsea’s transfer ban and an ageing Cesar Azpilicueta,’ stated the report.

‘After James’ sweetly struck volley brought Chelsea level in their dramatic 4-4 draw with Champions League semi-finalists Ajax, it looked as though the expectations were met.

‘Such performances have led to comparisons to his compatriots Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold and James could find himself in Gareth Southgate’s squad for this summer’s European Championships.’