Here is your Chelsea digest for Wednesday, August 26.
Ferdinand backs Messi transfer
After the shock news that Lionel Messi wants to depart Barcelona this summer, Rio Ferdinand has sent Chelsea fans a transfer message.
Blues fans were quick to urge the club to get a deal for Messi completed yet it was unknown how interested they would be in a move for the 33-year-old.
Ferdinand, however, appeared to confirm the Blues' interest.
He tweeted: "Just heard Frank Lampard is now in for Messi. Some window this if Lamps pulls this off!"
Read more on a potential chase for Messi.
Ready-made Declan Rice replacement
Chelsea continue to make strides in the transfer market, with the likes of Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz all reportedly close to sealing moves to Stamford Bridge.
Yet there is one player the Blues have been consistently linked with that appears to be a deal too far.
Former academy product Declan Rice has been strongly linked with a return to Stamford Bridge following some excellent form at West Ham.
Should the Blues fail to land his signature, though, then there is already a ready-made replacement at Stamford Bridge in the form of Ethan Ampadu.
The young Wales international struggled to make an impact at on loan RB Leipzig, but could he make a step up to the Blues' first-team this season?
Sarr could be missing piece
Whilst Chelsea have been consistently linked to high-profile players this summer, one target that could go under the radar of many is Malang Sarr.
The 21-year-old is available on a free transfer after his Nice contract ran out, and the defender has been tipped to make a move to Stamford Bridge.
Whilst the France under-21 international would not be part of Chelsea's squad straight away, he could still be a valuable long-term option. Read more on the surprise target.
