Chelsea told possible signing ‘perfect for Premier League’, Mertens claim made, Lampard announces he wants striker at Chelsea

guys here is a roundup of the latest news, gossip and transfer speculation from us over the past 24 hours…..

Chelsea reportedly have another option if they fail in their bid to sign Dries Mertens this summer.

Regarded as one of the finest players in Serie A , Mertens is all set to depart Napoli after failing to agree a new deal with the club and we were reportedly favourites to get a transfer deal done

But Mertens recently came out and told us that he wants to stay in Italy, pretty much putting an end to our chase this summer, but  fans have been told that Lampard already have another option.

Transfer expert Ian McGarry said on the Transfer Window podcast: “Their pursuit of Belgium international Dries Mertens has taken a rather unusual twist in that the player’s representative, we understand, has informed the Stamford Bridge club that Mertens would prefer to stay in Italy beyond his contract expiring with Napoli in June this year, and indeed that there is interest in signing him on a freedom of contract from both Inter Milan and Roma, amongst others.

“Mertens was Frank Lampard’s preferred replacement for Willian.

“That would be a setback for Lampard should Mertens decide to stay in Italy, given that at this moment in time there is one backup transfer target that I understand but one who he is much less keen on and one who would be much more expensive than obviously the free 33-year-old, who would come in and do a job right across the attacking midfield, and Lampard likes to set up in a three.

“This was one that I understand Lampard was confident about, and remains quite confident about, because of the low-cost, low-risk in terms of the player. No fee, the contract wouldn’t be particularly expensive.”

Frank Lampard says Chelsea are looking into extending Olivier Giroud’s contracts if the season restarts.

Giroud is coming towards the back end of his playing career and has failed to agree a new contract, meaning the likes of Inter Milan have stepped up their interest over a possible summer deal.

However, Frank Lampard told Sky Sports News he wants the same squad until the season ends if there is a successful restart, and is hoping to extend the contract of Giroud at Chelsea.

“It is still uncertain if and when play will get underway. We have big players [out of contract] so that’s something I’m obviously looking at very carefully,” he told Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

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“The ones who are out of contract here have been great servants for the club, and actually have a lot of feeling for the club.

“Of course, they’ll be concerned about themselves, in terms of how training is now is and if the pre-season is a rush they’re going to have to make sure they’re alright. So, it’s going to have to be something we have to look at, hopefully we can make that arrangement can be made so they can stay with us.

“I would love the squad to look as it has all season, but we’ll have to see how that works.”

Christian Pulisic has admitted that the opportunity to join Chelsea was too good to turn down.

Pulisic has not had the best of first seasons  this season and has been plagued by injuries, which has stopped him from showing the fans just why he is one of the most exciting players in Europe right now.

But he is expected to showcase his real ability next season, and even though there are many that doubt a move was the right one to make, Pulisic has opened up on the opportunity to sign with the Blues.

The 21-year-old told BT Sport: “I always wanted to play in Europe.

“Going to Dortmund was definitely a perfect first step for me. It was awesome, and I learned so much. I grew up there – I went over there when I was 15.

“Now, to be here and come to the Premier League when I was 20, I think it all worked out very well so I’m really happy with the path.

“I was confident and felt like I had a good couple of years in the Bundesliga, and obviously with the opportunity to come to a club like Chelsea – it was just something I couldn’t turn down.

“I just felt like the timing was perfect and I’m really happy that I made that choice.”

There has been so much speculation about possible new signings coming in that many will forget that we have some of the most exciting young players on the wings right now, players like Pulisic.

Look, the man is very young, very talented and will go on to be a real great player for us, he just needs time and patience, which we should all be giving him.

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