Welcome to our football.london Chelsea daily news round-up. Maybe not the first, we've definitely done transfer round-ups before, and European round-ups, so I guess in some ways it's not that new at all.
Anyway, we thought we would enter the world of football in a broad and roundabout manner for you and have some fun with some of the stories and captions doing the daily rounds.
Barcelona are ready to hold ‘vital talks’ with a full-back Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing, and the hunt for a full-back doesn't end there with Blues understood to be ready to make their move for Lucas Digne.
And finally, Antonio Rudiger's future still remains unclear but could we soon be about to see a breakthrough?
Chelsea Dest-iny?
Chelsea were looking like strong title contenders at the beginning of the season when they had a fully-fit squad. Although it would be hugely dramatic to say the wheels have fallen off at Stamford Bridge, their title tilt hasn't been helped by the injuries to full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting the club are interested in young Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest and it seems the Spanish side are keen to find out how the full-back feels about the links.
The Express have reported that Barca are ready to hold 'vital talks' with Dest, with the Blues reportedly readying a £17million bid.
Our view: This seems a no-brainer.
A quality attacking full-back is just what Chelsea need right now and it doesn't sound like the move would break the bank.
Dest has experience of playing for a big club and he'd be able to provide cover on both the left and right when Chilwell and James return to full fitness.
Digne links strengthen
Onto full-back saga number two.
Thomas Tuchel is clearly keen to bolster his options in January and one man who has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Everton’s Digne.
Todo Fichajes report (via Caught Offside) that Chelsea are making progress on a deal for Digne and the Champions League holders are in 'advanced talks' to sign the French left-back on an initial loan deal before a potential £30m permanent move.
Our view: As much as I'd love Chelsea to sign a player like Dest, you do wonder whether they'd be better served signing a player with Premier League experience.
Tuchel is going to need a full-back to come in who can hit the ground running and so Digne may be the wiser option of the two.
Rudiger situation rumbles on
We're probably all a bit fed up of hearing about whether Rudiger will sign a new Chelsea deal or not by now.
The Germany international will leave on a free transfer in the summer if fresh terms aren't penned, and Chelsea boss Tuchel has provided an 'update' on the defender's situation at the club.
When asked by a journalist if he would be taking Rudiger for a coffee in an attempt to make him stay, Tuchel joked: "I don’t know if that helps! Maybe that would push him out.
"I don’t feel he needs a lot of coffees with me. He needs to feel the connection and the trust, he wants to feel it by minutes and actions. He doesn’t need words and pampering.
"He is a top professional, this is what he proves. He is very important, nothing has changed. It’s in good hands, I trust the club and my player.
"It's not a problem for me. Toni can still deliver for us so he’s super reliable, nothing has changed. Once something changes you will be one of the first to know."
Our view: It’s clear every Chelsea fan is desperate for Rudiger to stay.
His commitment on the pitch shows his professionalism and maybe, just maybe, the faith shown in him by Tuchel will convince him to stay in west London.
Where do you think Rudiger will end up? Follow our Carefree Chelsea trends writer Anil Kandola on Twitter to join in the conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
