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

Blues interested in Kounde

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing centre-back Jules Kounde.

According to La Corina de Nervion, the Blues are among several European clubs that want to acquire the Frenchman’s services in the summer.

Kounde emerged as one of the most impressive young centre-backs in Europe during Sevilla’s Europa League triumph last season. This campaign, he has continued to perform at a high level.

The France Under-21 international has made over 40 appearances for Sevilla and has netted three times and picked up one assist.

Sevilla also hold the second-best defensive record in Spain, only conceding 21 goals in 29 games.

The report also states that the Spanish side’s director of football, Monchi, will be willing to listen to offers for the 22-year-old.

Kounde’s contract expires in 2024 and the Blues will be competing with Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona to sign the defender.

Shearer praises front three against Crystal Palace

Alan Shearer was left impressed with our front three’s attacking performance at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The Blues scored more than three goals for the first time under Thomas Tuchel as Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic led the line.

Speaking on Match of the Day, the Premier League all-time leading goalscorer showed his delight.

‘Those three were just too good for those centre-backs,’ he said. ‘The defenders didn’t want to go and mark one of them, because if they had, then they leave that space in behind and that caused problems.

‘They created chance after chance.’

It was the first time Pulisic started three Premier League games in a row for Tuchel and he rewarded his manager with a brace. Havertz also impressed with dazzling feet as a false nine.

Mount was constantly creating trouble and assisted our third goal of the afternoon that came from a Kurt Zouma header.

‘Havertz, who played very well, scored one, had an assist, probably should’ve scored another couple of goals,’ he added. ‘Pulisic gets his goal. Mount was clever in everything he did as well.

‘Second half it didn’t change. It’s all from those players dropping deep and getting the ball and they were just too good for them.’

Drinkwater targets Blues return

Danny Drinkwater says he has unfinished business at Chelsea as the midfielder continues to work hard in Turkey.

Speaking on the Elmatch Program, the 31-year-old revealed his plans to fight for a return to Stamford Bridge.

‘I want to continue with Chelsea,’ he said. ‘I feel like I have unfinished business with this club.

‘I have got a long way to go and I have to try and start enjoying my football again.’

The former Leicester City man played 23 times for the Blues in his first season and has had loan spells at Aston Villa and Burnley.

Drinkwater believes his move to Kasimpasa on a short-term deal will help him regain fitness. He has also made seven appearances for the club.

‘I keep working hard,’ he added. ‘I keep grafting and I am doing the right things at the right times and I need to stay injury free and see where it takes me.

‘It is a short career so I need to keep doing the right things and hope things will turn around.’