Here are your Chelsea evening headlines for Thursday, December 24.
Zouma contract talks to begin
Chelsea are set to begin contract talks with central defender Kurt Zouma in the new year, per recent reports.
Zouma has been in excellent form for the Blues so far this season, forming an exceptional partnership with new signing Thiago Silva. Chelsea's defensive record has improved as a result, while he has earned a place in the French national team, too. Zouma also has four goals in the Premier League.
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Fabrizio Romano reports that contract discussions will begin in the new year because of Zouma's excellent form.
The defender's current deal does not expire until 2023, but Chelsea are reportedly eager to tie down his long-term future without having to deal with the difficulty of a star player entering the final two years of their contract.
Azpilicueta sends Arsenal warning
Cesar Azpilicueta has sent a warning to his teammates about their Boxing Day clash with Arsenal, who have endured a wretched run of form in recent weeks.
Where Chelsea are in the midst of fighting for a title, Arsenal have been dragged into a relegation battle, with Mikel Arteta coming under increasing pressure.
But Azpilicueta warns that he and his teammates cannot take their opponents lightly.
"They are not in their best form but we know their qualities and that they have dangerous players so we have to cope with that," he told the official club website.
"We respect them and we know it’s going to be tough but we need points so hopefully we can go there and play our game.
"We have the confidence and belief to do that and obviously we will try to get the points."
Atletico Madrid interested in Marcos Alonso
Per Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, who has slipped out of Frank Lampard's this season with the arrival of Ben Chilwell.
Alonso has been linked with a reunion with Antonio Conte at Inter Milan, though Madrid would reportedly be willing to sign the Spaniard on loan, with a deal in which both clubs pay 50% of his wages muted.
Alonso has impressed in a wing-back role but has seen his playing time reduced since Lampard has shifted to a back four.
Chilwell was signed to be the first-choice left-back, while Emerson Palmieri seems to have solidified himself as the immediate back-up.
