Antonio Rudiger makes Chelsea transfer claim as Olivier Giroud admits 'surprise' over rumours

Here is your Chelsea morning digest for Sunday, September 13.

Fans react to Liverpool defending ahead of Chelsea clash

Chelsea fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the new Premier League season.

They will have to wait a little longer for their first game, a trip to Brighton on Monday night.

But excitement is building, particularly after a busy summer during which the likes of Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner were brought in.

The latter is expected to provide the goals, and some Chelsea fans were encouraged by what they saw from Liverpool’s defenders in Saturday’s 4-3 win over Leeds.

Chelsea reach Edouard Mendy transfer agreement

The Blues play the Premier League champions in their second game, which could give an early indication as to their improvement during the off-season.

And here’s how supporters reacted to Liverpool’s less than convincing defensive display against Leeds .

Rudiger ‘excited’ by new signings

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has said he is excited by the club’s big money additions.

Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell, Havertz, Ziyech and Werner have all been added to the squad that finished fourth in last season’s Premier League.

And there is a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding the club ahead of Monday night’s trip to the AMEX Stadium.

“Because there’s a lot of new faces, of course people get excited, not only the fans and media but also ourselves. It will be an interesting season, definitely,” Rudiger told Chelsea’s official website.

“First of all for the players is to take the responsibility to bring in the new players and make them feel comfortable to join them into the team. That’s the responsibility of the players who were here last season and in the years before.”

Giroud admits ‘surprise’ over Juventus links

Olivier Giroud has revealed he was “surprised” by talk of a potential move to Juventus .

The Frenchman, who signed a one-year contract extension at the end of last season, has been linked with the Serie A champions.

But he has dismissed the reports, claiming instead that he is committed to Chelsea.

“I was surprised to receive messages from mates talking about the Juventus rumour," Giroud told Telefoot.

“It is far from the truth. I am a Chelsea player and I feel good here.

"I did not have a great end of season just to leave without a bit of faith.”