Welcome to our football.london CareFree 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.
Blues plan contract overhaul
Chelsea are planning a contract overhaul at Stamford Bridge with the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Mason Mount all in line for new deals (as per Goal).
The report adds that the Blues are actively working on deals for Chalobah, Christensen and Rudiger, while Mount has been informed of the club's plans to offer him a new contract, however, it's understood that official talks are yet to be opened.
While the news will no doubt come as a relief to a lot of Chelsea fans, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva are still yet to pen fresh terms at Stamford Bridge and will be able to leave on a free transfer next summer as things stand.
Barkley interest begins to snowball
Ross Barkley has gained growing interest for his services from three Premier League sides following his resurgence under Thomas Tuchel, according to 90min.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder has impressed in recent displays for Chelsea despite once looking as if his days at Stamford Bridge were numbered, especially after having his number eight shirt snatched by Mateo Kovacic in the summer.
Barkley's return to form has reportedly caught the attention of Leeds United, Newcastle United and Burnley.
The report adds that Chelsea have opened the door for a January move for the England international, handing Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz a vote of confidence despite their poor form.
Barkley swapped Goodison Park for Chelsea in January 2018 for a shrewd fee of around £15 million and the Blues will be hoping that, in light of his recent performances, they will be able to recuperate all of that fee - and maybe even make a profit!
Kounde 'snubs' Chelsea for Manchester United
Jules Kounde has asked his agent to prioritise a move to Manchester United over Chelsea, according to El Nacional (via the Mirror).
Sevilla's 22-year-old centre-back was linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer in a move worth upwards of £68 million.
Chelsea had verbally agreed a deal in principle worth £43 million with the Spanish side for Kounde's services, but the sale of Kurt Zouma to West Ham saw Sevilla's sporting director, Monchi, increase their asking price to around £68 million, according to The Athletic.
As a result, Chelsea ended their pursuit of the France international, and no sooner has he ended his courtship of Chelsea is he batting his eyelashes at Manchester United. The cheek of it!
Would you like Chelsea to sign Kounde? Follow our CareFree Chelsea trends writer Jake Stokes on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below!
