Here is your Chelsea morning digest on Wednesday, August 25.
Zouma move questioned
Darren Bent does not think Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has earned the right to be demanding such high wages amid interest from West Ham United.
The Hammers are very interested in the France international, but his wage demands - reported to be £125,000-a-week - are proving somewhat problematic for the east London club.
Bent, speaking on talkSPORT, has questioned Zouma for asking for such a high figure.
He said: “Listen, it might do that [upset the rest of the West Ham team].
“Again, it is a premium, he is coming from Chelsea so that is why he is trying to command those kinds of figures, but at the same time, I do not think he has earned the right in terms of performances on the pitch."
Man Utd join Saul race
According to a report from The Guardian, Manchester United and Chelsea are plotting loan moves for Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez before the transfer window closes.
Atletico are said to be willing to let Saul leave the club this month on a season-long loan deal which means the Blues, as well as Man Utd, could step up their interest in the Spain international.
The 26-year-old still has around five years remaining on his contract with the current Spanish champions, but is eager to seal a move away this summer.
Read the story in more detail here.
Ferdinand names Lukaku weakness
Rio Ferdinand thinks Romelu Lukaku needs to work on his hold-up game to improve even more at Chelsea.
Lukaku showed his class in abundance on Sunday afternoon, as the Belgian striker scored on his second debut with the Blues in the 2-0 London derby victory over Arsenal.
However, despite his sensational performance, Ferdinand noticed an area of his game that wasn't so good.
"I still think Lukaku’s hold-up play outside of the box sometimes leaves a bit to be desired," he told his FIVE Youtube Channel.
"But when you play the ball into him in and around the box, my man’s touch is like glue.
"He bullies people, he was like a sixth former playing against first years, that’s what he made the Arsenal centre-backs look like, they didn’t know how to deal with him.
"[Pablo] Mari was an embarrassment, he didn’t know what to do. The way they defended against him… where’s Per Mertesacker or someone like that who’s in the building? Please tell them what to do."
