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Chelsea have been impressive once again this season under Thomas Tuchel. The German manager has propelled the Blues to the top of the Premier League table after seven games. The London side are among the favourites for the title this year.
Meanwhile, off the field, Chelsea are ready to battle two of their Premier League rivals for the services of a Borussia Dortmund midfielder. Elsewhere, Olivier Giroud has opened up about his exit from Stamford Bridge.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on 12th October 2021.
Chelsea willing to battle Manchester United and Liverpool for Jude Bellingham
Chelsea are ready to battle Manchester United and Liverpool for the signature of Jude Bellingham, according to Caught Offside via Fichajes.
The Englishman was earmarked as a future star during his youth days at Birmingham City. However, Bellingham has hit an even higher gear since arriving at Borussia Dortmund last summer. Manchester United and Liverpool remain eager to bring him to the Premier League, and now the Blues have entered the fray for Bellingham.
Chelsea have a plethora of midfield talent on their roster, but very little quality apart from first-team stars. None of their backup options inspire confidence, which is why Thomas Tuchel wants reinforcements in midfield next year. Bellingham is a generational talent who has all the ingredients to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
However, prising him away from Dortmund could be a tough ask. The Bundesliga side generated around £73 million from the sale of Jadon Sancho. Bellingham could be valued at double that amount. The three-way battle for his services also gives Dortmund negotiating power, so the Blues might have to be at their best to get a deal over the line.
Olivier Giroud opens up on Chelsea exit
Former Chelsea star Olivier Giroud says he has struggled to cope with hsi departure from Stamford Bridge. He said:
“(I spent) three seasons-and-a-half there (at Chelsea). I had an amazing time at Arsenal, but (at Chelsea), I can say even more because I won the big titles."
It was emotionally difficult to leave when I left Montpellier and Arsenal, but even more tough (at Chelsea) because I didn’t play the last three months, so it was evidence for me to leave and go for another challenge. It was tough to leave Chelsea and the Premier League, but at the end of the day, I think it was the best solution for me,” said Giroud
Thiago Silva full of praise for Raphinha
Thiago Silva has heaped praise on Raphinha. The Leeds United star caught the eye with his performances for Brazil against Venezuela, managing to impress the Chelsea defender.
Speaking after the game against Columbia on Sunday, where Raphinha put in another assured performance, Thiago Silva claimed that the Leeds man has given Brazil manager Tite what he wanted.
"Its really cool to see Raphinha and Antony showing personality. In terms of chemistry, they’re lacking a little, but the individual play is at a high level. That’s what the man (manager Tite) wants, what the man asks for,” said Thiago Silva.
