Here are the Chelsea morning headlines for Tuesday, June 23.
Chelsea step up Chilwell chase
Chelsea are poised to step up their interest in Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell, according to reports.
Frank Lampard is keen to secure an upgrade on Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri ahead of next season.
The Blues boss has reportedly identified the 23-year-old England international as his prime target.
And according to Le 10 Sport, the Chelsea hierarchy is ready to “quickly take action” in a bid to complete a deal.
The club have already moved quickly to secure the services of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner for 2020/21.
Chilwell could be next on the list, although Leicester are likely to demand a fee of around £80million.
Bellingham interest over
One player who Chelsea will not be acquiring this summer is Birmingham City’s Jude Bellingham.
The teenage sensation has burst onto the scene this season, earning admirers throughout English football for his performances in the Championship.
But Bellingham could now opt to continue his development over in Germany, where Borussia Dortmund are competing with Manchester United for his signature.
The battle to buy the 16-year-old is now a two-horse race, according to the Manchester Evening News, with Chelsea having ended their interest.
Birmingham are expected to hold out for around £30m for their prized asset.
Rudiger played role in Werner purchase
Antonio Rudiger says he spoke to Germany team-mate Timo Werner before the RB Leipzig striker agreed to join Chelsea.
The Blues agreed a £47.5m deal for the forward last week after Liverpool dropped out of the race to buy him.
And Rudiger, who also shared a dressing room with Werner at Stuttgart, says he “did his bit” to convince the 24-year-old to move to Stamford Bridge.
"I did speak to him before because we have known each other for a long time," Rudiger told the club's official website.
"We spoke a lot during the lockdown and he told me he was interested in coming to England. Of course then I did my bit, what I had to do.
“I would say he’s a quiet, humble guy, always ready to do better. I hope he adapts very quickly when he comes because as we all know this competition is different from others.”
