Chelsea are supporting Mykhailo Mudryk and believe his return us imminent

 The timeline for his return is still unknown, with an official FA verdict still pending. In his absence, Chelsea‘s hierarchy has moved decisively to protect the squad’s future, spending over £100 million combined to bring in Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens.

However, Mudryk’s future at Chelsea is far from over yet, having been spotted training at Uxbridge in an attempt to keep himself at the optimal levels.

Mudryk believes that he will return as soon as possible, but the big question is about what Chelsea have planned for the winger if he ends up returning.

Interestingly, The Athletic have provided a little bit more insight into Chelsea’s current thinking, though it still doesn’t really paint the full picture.

Sources say Chelsea are supporting their player but are also planning for the future within their squad, signing Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens last summer to compete for left wing minutes.

Let’s not forget that Geovany Quenda is also coming into the fold this summer from Sporting Libson, which will make Mudryk’s life even more difficult if it comes to that.

Mykhailo Mudryk certainly possesses the potential, but any second chance at Stamford Bridge must not come at the cost of stifling the club’s emerging talent.

With the recent high-profile arrivals of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, plus Quenda, it’s important not to overload in one area.

If the Ukrainian is to be afforded another opportunity, it should arguably be through a structured loan spell at a club like Strasbourg.

Source: Chelsea Chronicles 

Chelsea handed Marc Cucurella a new contract earlier this season

 Marc Cucurella’s future has also been discussed recently after he made comments questioning the club’s transfer strategy of signing younger players.

It is believed the Spaniard has just over two years left on his contract, however according to Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea’s recently published agent fees suggest that he has signed a new deal earlier this season.

He said: “The agent documents through the FA effectively confirm Marc Cucurella got a new deal earlier in the season but it wasn’t publicly announced.”

It does not confirm whether this included an extension to the length of his deal, but if not he remains in the danger zone when it comes to his future at Stamford Bridge.

Despite his recent comments surrounding the club’s policies, there is no indication Cucurella currently wants to leave the club.

Chelsea FC to Bolster Squad with Experienced Signings Alongside Youth Investment This Summer

Chelsea Football Club today outlined its strategic vision for the upcoming summer transfer window, emphasising a balanced approach that will see the addition of select experienced players to complement its already strong core of young talents, while confirming that Liam Rosenior will lead the team into the 2026/27 campaign.

Speaking on behalf of the club’s ownership and football operations, a senior Chelsea source stressed that the club’s long-term project remains firmly on track, despite a challenging run of results in recent weeks. “We have always believed in building a squad that blends youthful energy and potential with the right dose of senior experience and leadership,” the source said. “This summer, we will look to add a handful of experienced, high-quality players who can accelerate the development of our young stars and provide the stability and know-how needed at the highest level.”

The club made clear that it is premature to discuss specific targets. “It is far too early to name individuals,” the source continued. “Our recruitment strategy will be shaped by several key factors, including our performance in the UEFA Champions League, the outcomes of ongoing competitions, player availability, and the evolving market dynamics. We will remain disciplined, data-driven, and patient in our approach.”

Chelsea’s ownership and technical board have been consistent in their support for Head Coach Liam Rosenior, who took over the role earlier in the season following a transitional period. Despite a dip in league form that has raised questions among supporters, the club insists Rosenior is central to its future plans.

“Results have not always reflected the progress we are making on and off the pitch,” the source acknowledged. “We cannot and will not accept a continuation of the current results trend — standards must improve immediately. However, when you look at the broader picture — the development of our young players, the tactical implementation, the culture being built within the squad, and the alignment with our long-term vision — the expectation is very clear: Liam Rosenior will be in charge next season.”

Rosenior is expected to play a hands-on role in the upcoming transfer discussions, working closely with the club’s recruitment team, sporting directors, and analytics department to identify targets that fit both the immediate needs and the stylistic identity being developed at Stamford Bridge.

“Liam has our full backing,” the source added. “He will be heavily involved in shaping the squad for next season. His input on player profiles, character, and tactical fit is invaluable. This is not a short-term fix; this is about building a sustainable, competitive team capable of challenging for major honours in the years ahead.”

Chelsea’s academy and data-led recruitment model has already produced and integrated several standout young talents in recent seasons, many of whom are now regular contributors across all competitions. The club views the addition of experienced players as a complementary step — not a replacement — to this philosophy.

Mykhailo Mudryk using his Influencer girlfriend Jordyn Jones as a weight in a private gym

Chelsea outcast Mykhailo Mudryk appeared to find a novel way to keep fit during his time away from the first team by bench pressing his new girlfriend on social media. 

The Ukraine international has been sidelined since November 2024 after returning a positive drug test for banned substance meldonium. 

In the year-and-a-half since, Mudryk - who was charged by the FA last June - has been unable to take part in training with Liam Rosenior's squad at Chelsea's training ground. 

But while training on the pitch at semi-professional side Uxbridge FC, as the winger did last month, may have been somewhat of a change of scenery from the manicured grounds at Cobham, his latest move seemed even more unorthodox. 

Influencer Jordyn Jones shared a video of the 25-year-old using her as a weight in a private gym, simply captioning the video with three biting-lip emojis. 

Mudryk seemed unruffled by the challenge as he lifted the former child star with ease, and later replied to the post with the sweet message: 'M & J (gift-wrapped heart)'. 

It is unclear when Mudryk and Jones began dating, but the latter has frequently shared pictures of herself dressed in Chelsea merchandise and jerseys despite being unable to watch her boyfriend from the stands. 

Eagle-eyed social media users noted that Mudryk had left a number of romantic messages in Jones' comments section on her Instagram profile in 2025. 

The UEFA Conference League winner also invited Jones to Disneyland before the pair appeared to have connected in person, with the couple later seemingly visiting the Parisian amusement park together. 

Jones shared a screenshot of the initial invitation to her Instagram Stories, captioning the request '6 months ago vs' - before posting a picture of herself at the gates with the message: 'fast forward six months (princess emoji). I'm glad I unblocked you (Mudryk's profile tagged)'. 

In a carousel of photographs shared by Jones in January and geotagged to London, the California-based influencer included a screenshot of a TikTok showing an airplane window and the message 'Took a flight. Changed by life for the better. 10/10 wouldn't change a thing', also appearing to allude to a potential relationship with the footballer. 

By contrast, Mudryk has largely maintained a low profile since his doping charge, only posting sporadic updates to his followers on social media.

Addressing his fans at New Year, the former Shahktar Donetsk winger urged them not to 'give up' on him.

'Happy New year to all my fans,' Mudryk wrote. 'I just wanted to say thank you for your support.

'I see all your messages and truly appreciate them, so please don't give up on me as I do not give up on myself. Can't wait to see you soon.'

Mudryk, who could face up to a four-year ban should the doping charge be proven, was also part of Chelsea's Conference League title party last summer.  

At this stage there is currently no clarity on when his case will be concluded.

Source: Dailymail

Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben shoved a TV presenter in a heated row

Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben shoved a TV presenter in a heated row after being accused of 'insulting' the referee during his son's Under 14s game.

Footage on social media shows Robben, 42, pushing Wilfred Genee, 58, on the sidelines at half-time of a match between FC Groningen U14s and Victoria Hilversum.

Robben, a coach with his son Kai's team, is involved in a heated exchange with referee Jan Faessen before Genee intervenes.

According to Bild, Robben tells Genee - a Dutch football commentator who was watching his son play for Victoria Hilversum - that he should 'not interfere'.

Robben is then seen pushing Genee before continuing his conversation with Faessen.

Speaking after the match, Genee accused the former Netherlands international of personally insulting him, as well as 'inappropriate behaviour' towards the officials

🔥Leg dich nicht mit Arjen #Robben an! Beim U14-Spiel seines Sohnes (#FCGroningen) gerät die #FCBayern-Legende mit dem Schiri aneinander. Als TV-Moderator Wilfred #Genee dazwischengeht, gibt's einen Wischer & die Ansage: „Sie müssen sich nicht einmischen!“pic.twitter.com/6a7PRVYQnk

— oranjefussball 🇳🇱 (@oranjefussball) April 13, 2026

'He insulted the referee for the entire first half,' he said. 'You really think to yourself: "Man, just behave normally". He's ambitious, always wants to win, but that was inappropriate behaviour.'

FC Groningen dismissed the claims in a statement on social media. 'FC Groningen feels the need to respond to the accusations directed at our colleague Arjen Robben by Wilfred Genee.

'The club denies that Arjen mistreated the referee during or around the match, which has now also been confirmed by the referee himself. What we see and know is that Arjen is fanatical and enthusiastic as a trainer/coach.

'During the break, he is in conversation with the referee, during which Wilfred Genee - who is present there as a parent - uninvitedly interferes with this conversation, after he had already, unasked, ventured onto the field earlier during the warm-up.

'As football clubs, we acknowledge together with the KNVB that parental interference around the football field constitutes a recurring problem that we consider undesirable.

'Since this is a personal conversation between the coach and the referee, we as a club believe that parents should not interfere with this. And because Arjen, in our view, does nothing improper, we consider this matter closed. Arjen has let us know that he has no desire to devote any further attention to this and is fully focusing on his role as trainer/coach.'

Faessen also played down the row in an interview with AD. 'The first thing I said to Robben was: "I'm not the fastest anymore!"' 

Robben enjoyed a successful playing career before moving into a coaching role, winning eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League with Bayern during a 10-year spell in Germany.

He also won the Premier League with Chelsea and LaLiga with Real Madrid, and was a member of the Dutch side beaten by Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.

Source: Dailymail 

Charlie Austin Reflects on Premier League Battles: “Yes, I Scored Against Chelsea – But Facing John Terry Was a Phenomenal Challenge”

Former Premier League striker Charlie Austin has named Chelsea legend John Terry as his toughest-ever opponent, delivering a candid and respectful assessment of one of football’s most formidable defenders.

In a recent interview, Austin, known for his no-nonsense style and goal-scoring prowess during spells at Queens Park Rangers, Southampton, West Bromwich Albion, and Queens Park Rangers again, didn’t hesitate when asked to identify the most difficult player he ever faced on the pitch.

“Yes, I scored against Chelsea,” Austin recalled with a smile, “but to play against Terry was a phenomenal challenge.” 💪

The quote captures the respect Austin holds for the former England international and five-time Premier League champion. Austin’s goal against Chelsea came during his time at QPR, but it was the physical and mental battle against Terry that left the biggest impression.

“John Terry was the complete centre-half,” Austin continued. “He was strong, aggressive, read the game brilliantly, and had that leadership quality that lifted everyone around him. You knew you were in for a proper fight every time you lined up against him. He made you earn every single touch. It wasn’t just about the physical side – it was his positioning, his anticipation, and the way he dominated the box. Facing him was a real test of your mentality as much as your ability.”

Austin’s comments come as part of a wider discussion on the intensity of Premier League football during the 2010s, an era dominated by Chelsea’s defensive solidity under managers like José Mourinho and Antonio Conte. Terry, who made over 700 appearances for Chelsea and captained the club to numerous trophies, was widely regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generation.

The 36-year-old Austin, who scored 81 goals in 181 Premier League appearances across his career, reflected on how such duels helped shape his own development as a forward.

“Those games against the big teams and the top defenders push you to improve,” he added. “You learn more in one match against someone like Terry than you do in weeks of training. I’ve got nothing but respect for him – he was a warrior and a true professional.”

The interview highlights the mutual respect that often exists between former rivals in football, with Austin’s words serving as a tribute to Terry’s enduring legacy long after his retirement in 2018.

The Eden Hazard Effect

 

Cesc Fabregas has insisted that he remains fully committed to his long-term project at Como amid links with Chelsea and the Italy national team

 Cesc Fabregas has insisted that he remains fully committed to his long-term project at Como amid links with Chelsea and the Italy national team. The 38-year-old manager emphasised his family's happiness at the Serie A club and his desire for daily involvement on the training pitch as key reasons for staying put.

Fabregas has emerged as one of Europe's most coveted young managers after leading Como to the brink of a historic Champions League qualification. Currently sitting fifth in Serie A with six games remaining, the Lombardy-based club is enjoying its most successful period in decades. Despite intense links with a return to Stamford Bridge and a potential role with the Italian national team, former Chelsea midfielder Fabregas remains focused on his current contract, which runs until 2028.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious Enzo Bearzot award, Fabregas clarified his immediate intentions regarding his managerial path.

Addressing the likelihood of a departure from the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Fabregas said: “I am very committed to this project. You never know, but right now I think it’s very unlikely I’ll leave Como. Last year, I wanted to see how other clubs operated. I mentioned it to the president, but I decided to stay. I’m very happy with what we’ve been able to achieve. This is an important project. I need to feel good here. It’s important that my family is happy, and if they’re happy in Como, I’ll stay.”

While Como’s hierarchy acknowledges that Fabregas may eventually outgrow the club, they view him as a pivotal figure who will shape the team's DNA for years to come. The Spaniard also touched upon the prospect of international management, admitting his current energy is better suited to the daily rigours of the domestic game.

“Maybe someday,” Fabregas said regarding the Italy job. “Right now, I’m too much of a coach and I need to be on the pitch every day. Being a national team coach might be boring right now - too much free time. In the future, when I’m older, you never know.”

Meanwhile, Como president Mirwan Suwarso has conceded that Fabregas’ long-term future likely lies at the pinnacle of European football. Speaking to Rivista Undici in mid-March, the Indonesian stated: “Cesc is vital for us, but we would be stupid not to think that one day he could go to Arsenal, Barcelona, or Chelsea. He should be involved in the choice [of his successor] and help us appoint the next coach.”

Fabregas faces a defining period that could see Como secure their first-ever major trophy and a historic European berth. Before travelling to the San Siro for a massive Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Inter next Tuesday, April 21, with the tie currently deadlocked at 0-0, the side must first shift their focus to Friday’s crucial Serie A trip to Sassuolo.

Source: GOAL

Kaveh Solhekol: “Something is not right, this is NOT Chelsea”

 Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol has heavily criticized the state of Chelsea FC, noting that poor performances and inconsistent results in April 2026 have created a "dispiriting" atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. Solhekol emphasized that the club's current trajectory deviates from its historical standards, placing significant pressure on leadership despite long-term plans

Chelsea's players working hard at Cobham today ahead of Manchester United's visit on Saturday evening.

 The Blues squad were at our Surrey training base as we go in search of a positive result this weekend. After a disappointing defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, Liam Rosenior and Chelsea will have eyes on securing three points against the team third in the Premier League.

Pictured on the grass today were the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho and Estevao Willian. At the same time, Trevoh Chalobah also features in the gallery as he continues to work towards a return, after head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed he was back on the grass last week.

You can scroll down now to take a look at some of the best images from the workout, and make sure to stay tuned to all the build-up across the Chelsea Official App and website.

Dario Essugo: My journey to Chelsea

 Dario Essugo is next to take centre stage in our series speaking to Chelsea players about their childhood and path to Stamford Bridge…

If you touch down in Lisbon International Airport, in the north of the Portuguese capital, and head a few kilometres west, you will reach the municipality of Odivelas. It is a land of hilltops and valleys, and home to around 150,000 of the more than two million people that call Greater Lisbon home.

Dario Essugo’s family are among them. Our midfielder was born in 2005 to Angolan parents who had moved to Portugal for a better life. Dario was their second son; his elder brother Danilo Luis, three years his senior, is also a footballer now, playing for Alverca B, a fourth-tier team in Lisbon.

It was in Odivelas that Essugo learned the ropes, on and off the pitch. Those formative years shaped the person and the player he has become.

‘Lisbon was a very nice place to grow up, but for me the most important thing is the people you are around, and how they make you feel,’ Dario tells us.

‘My parents helped me a lot because they are very strong mentally. I can see they struggled in the past and now they can live a little bit better, you know. But they helped me to see that life is not easy. And like all the people from Angola, they are very funny, and they smile and dance all the time!

‘My brother was like my inspiration. Sometimes we didn’t talk too much, but I could look at him and all he did, how hard he worked, always being positive, and put that to myself. We are still very close, and we talk every day.

‘When we were younger, I remember playing in my house and on the streets with him, and some other friends. We played a lot after school, in the summer too. They are nice memories. It was in school that I think I had the feeling that, okay, I’m good at playing football.’

Dario studied at schools in the vicinity, St Antonio and then Eugenio dos Santos, and won the best player award at the prestigious McDonald’s Tournament when he was nine.

By that point he was also representing a local club, UDR Santa Maria, and it was there that he caught the eye of some of the country’s biggest clubs.

‘I was ten when I joined Sporting,’ recalls Dario. ‘That was very nice, but I didn’t think too much of it because Benfica also wanted me. Sporting gave me a very good project for me and my family to go there, so I chose them.

‘It was very close to home, but my parents worked, and I needed someone to take me to training. At the beginning, Sporting went to my school to pick me up to go to training, but after, sometimes my family had to leave work a little bit early to pick me up.

‘My family were a very big support. This is the most important thing. If you have one person who believes in you it is so important. If I didn’t have my mother or my father to pick me up for training, and this kind of stuff, maybe I wouldn’t have gone at all. They put the effort in for me to one day be a football player. If I didn’t have them, maybe I wouldn’t be here.’

Dario’s development only accelerated under the tutelage of an academy renowned for bringing through some of the most talented players in the world: think Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.

He was a regular for Portugal at youth level, too, so there was no question Sporting would offer him a pro deal when the time came. It triggered one of the most thrilling periods in his young life.

‘That week was a little bit different,’ Dario says.

‘You have to be 16 years old for a professional contact in Portugal, and when I turned 16, Sporting wanted me, so that week – before my birthday – I started training with the first team.

‘Then I turned 16 and was offered the contract, starting my professional career. It was the end of that week that I made my Sporting debut. It was a very special week – a lot of emotions to live.

‘I think everyone that starts to play football always dreams that one day you will be there, where you saw all the players on the TV. You can’t explain how it feels in the moment, knowing one day you dreamed about that.’

Dario was yet to represent the club’s reserve or Under-23 sides, but Sporting held no fear thrusting him into the spotlight. Introduced as a late substitute in a 1-0 win over Vitoria de Guimaraes aged 16 years and six days old, Dario became Sporting’s youngest ever player – by a distance – and the youngest to ever feature in Portugal’s top flight.

At full-time, Essugo cried tears of joy at the emotion of his debut and a week to remember. He was embraced by all his team-mates, later telling the club’s TV channel of the ‘indescribable sensation’ and ‘pride’ he felt at making history with the club that had nurtured him.

Later that year, 2021, he became the youngest Sporting player to feature in the Champions League, and then the youngest to start a game. He accrued more playing time on loan at Chaves and Las Palmas before signing for Chelsea ahead of the Club World Cup last summer.

Injury might have restricted Essugo’s game time in blue thus far, but you can see why he lists hard work and mental strength as his biggest assets: they have helped him recover in time for the run-in this season.

And as he reflects on his journey so far, which aged 21 is still in its infancy, Dario has advice for anyone wishing to emulate it. They are words he has kept close to his heart.

‘Listen to the person who really cares about you, and be yourself,’ he says.

‘If you are not you, or if you try to be someone else, you can’t go anywhere. So be you, listen to your mind, what you feel, and what you want. Keep working, keep pushing and never give up, because life changes very quickly, so you never know.’

And while life may never be the same for that young boy from Odivelas, it has changed immeasurably for the better.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dário Essugo🤙🏾 (@darioessugo6)

Source: Chelsea fc 

Alejandro Garnacho could be the latest Argentine to be sanctioned by Chelsea after engaging in cryptic social media activity.

The winger arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer in a £40million deal from Manchester United after falling out of favour with former Red Devils’ boss Ruben Amorim.

His time in west London hasn’t exactly gone to plan with game time at a premium.

Garnacho has started just seven games since Liam Rosenior's arrival as Chelsea boss in January.

His opportunities have predominantly come in cup competitions while in higher-stakes fixtures, have the winger utilised from the bench.

Garnacho is yet to leave his mark at Stamford Bridge with fans yet to be sold on the signing.

It appears that the Argentine may have some regrets over his acrimonious Old Trafford exit judging by his social media activity.

Garnacho has removed all Chelsea videos from his TikTok account while reposting two Manchester United clips dedicated to him.

It comes just days after he conducted an interview about his Red Devils exit.

When asked if he regrets how it ended with the Red Devils, Garnacho said: "Maybe yes, because I loved that club. They gave me the confidence from the start.

"From Spain, to bring me to the academy, then they bring me to the first team. So it was like four or five years, and amazing love from everyone."

He added: "I remember in the last six months I was just not playing like before at Manchester United. I started to be on the bench, it's not a bad thing.

"I was only 20-years old, but in my mind it was like I had to play every game. In my mind, maybe it is also on me, I started to do some bad things.

"But yes, it was just this moment in life and sometimes you have to make decisions and I am really proud to be here [at Chelsea] and still in the Premier League at a club like this. Everyone knows the team we have and the things we can do.

"Sometimes, we have better moments or worse moments, I am proud to be here but with United, I have nothing wrong to say about the club, no one in the club or the team-mates.

"It's just a moment in life that changes and life continues. I have no regrets."

SOURCE: talkSport

Ex-Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman has left fans stunned by his shock new look

 Kezman spent 12 months at Stamford Bridge in Jose Mourinho’s first season at the club, picking up Premier League and League Cup winners medals for his efforts.

The 46-year-old hung up his boots back in 2012 but has since worked as a sports agent, representing players including former Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

His biggest transformation came when he became a monk after declaring his commitment to religion through the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Kezman displays multiple tattoos dedicated to his faith, however the most striking visuals come in his long wavy locks amid a receding hairline and a multi-coloured beard.

And it won't just be Chelsea fans who are left stunned by the Serbian’s new look with supporters of the 11 other clubs he represented during his 16-year career also likely to be taken aback.

Kezman lined up for Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Fenerbahce among others before calling time on his career.

His breakout season came with Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven where he spent four years.

He netted 129 goals in 176 games, earning a £5million move to Chelsea as a reward for his efforts.

Kezman struggled to impose himself at Stamford Bridge as the goals dried up, netting just seven times in 41 appearances.

But a Premier League and League Cup double made sure his time in England was not wasted.

Despite failing to live up to expectations at Chelsea, Kezman later spoke of his pride at representing the club.

"I am very happy and proud of my time in Chelsea in one year, but now it is behind me," Kezman previously told the Evening Chronicle.

"I am very sad because of all the supporters in Chelsea, but it was a year with a lot of stress. For one year they were all behind me, giving me support in the stadium and on the street as well.

"I owe them more goals - one day it might happen. I might be back to Chelsea, you never know. But for now, I want to play and Mourinho was not going to give me a chance."

His former teammate Glen Johnson revealed the depths of Kezman’s frustration during his Chelsea days and how he let out his anger in the dressing room.

"I don't remember what game it was but I remember what the dressing room was like! He smashed a few lockers up, put a few holes in the seats.,” Johnson told Betting Expert.

"It happens all the time, players aren't happy about coming off and he hadn't been playing much at the time and he was given an opportunity but he was frustrated with himself as he'd missed a few chances."

But the former striker was already primed for life after football and even signalled his intention of becoming a monk in an interview in 2012.

"I want to become a monk. It is God's decision. But if God calls me, I will do it,” he told the Standard, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.

SOURCE: talkSport

Frank Lampard Eyes Chelsea Academy Starlet Jesse Derry as Coventry Prepare for Premier League Return

Frank Lampard is keen to bring highly-rated Chelsea youngster Jesse Derry to Coventry City on a season-long loan next term,

The Coventry City manager, a Chelsea legend and former player and coach at Stamford Bridge, has identified the 18-year-old as a key target as the Sky Blues gear up for life back in the Premier League following their promotion. Lampard is understood to be a strong admirer of Derry and views him as an ideal addition to bolster the squad with youthful energy and potential.

Derry, son of former Premier League midfielder Shaun Derry, has impressed in Chelsea’s academy and made his senior debut for the Blues earlier this year. A versatile forward/winger capable of playing on either flank, the England Under-19 international has shown composure, dribbling ability, and a strong work ethic in limited first-team opportunities. Chelsea are open to loan moves for promising academy talents to aid their development, and sources indicate the club would give serious consideration to a temporary switch to Coventry under Lampard’s guidance.

Lampard, who retains close ties with his former club, is already planning ahead for what promises to be a challenging campaign in the top flight. Bringing in Derry would represent a smart, low-risk move leveraging existing connections to integrate a hungry young player into the first-team environment.

Chelsea declined to comment on specific player movements at this stage.

Marc Guehi thanks Chelsea for all they did for him

 Speaking to the official Manchester City website after the win at Stamford Bridge, Marc Guehi was very appreciative of his former club, claiming they shaped the player he is today.

“If anything, I’m more grateful (about how things worked out at Chelsea), it’s a bit weird, I came from Chelsea and the academy, and I wouldn’t be here without the coaches in the academy, the staff, the players I played with, so weirdly I’m really grateful to them for getting me to this point.”

This is a bittersweet moment for Chelsea, who Roy Hodgson believes passed up on Guehi, who is on the same level as the likes of Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Wayne Rooney.

The decision to sell Marc Guehi for £18 million continues to haunt Chelsea. While the club has spent hundreds of millions on various defensive reinforcements since his departure, they have struggled to find the right player to lock down a place in the team.

His presence would have offered a solution to the leadership void left by Thiago Silva, as well as providing the emotional resilience and maturity that Chelsea are seeking in the market.

As a homegrown player who understands the club’s DNA, Guehi would have bypassed the adaptation period that has slowed other signings.