Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell Lead Chelsea Past Porto 2-0 in 1st Leg of UCL Quarterfinals
Apr 7, 2021
Chelsea's Mason Mount scores his side's opening goal during the Champions League, first leg, quarterfinal soccer match between FC Porto and Chelsea at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium in Seville, Spain, Wednesday, April 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Angel Fernandez)
Early advantage, Chelsea.
The Blues defeated FC Porto 2-0 in Wednesday's first leg of their 2021 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal matchup at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville, Spain. Porto was designated the home side for the game that was played in Spain because of COVID-19 travel restrictions in Portugal and England. Despite the neutral site, away goals were still vital.
Mason Mount andBen Chilwell scored the goals for Chelsea, while goalkeeper Edouard Mendy did his job to preserve a shutout.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 7, 2021
Both sides had concerns entering play.
Chelsea was coming off a stunning 5-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday. Christian Pulisic also suffered a hamstring injury during the defeat, but he was healthy enough to get included in the traveling squad and start on the bench Wednesday.
As for Porto, leading goal scorers Sergio Oliveira and Mehdi Taremi were both suspended for the first leg. Considering they scored three of the four goals in the previous round against Juventus, the club would need to look elsewhere for offense against The Blues.
They felt the absence of their two playmakers in the early going while failing to convert on any of their shots in the first half.
While Porto enjoyed the advantage in the shots category through the opening 45 minutes, Chelsea dominated possession and created the best quality opportunity prior to intermission. Mount dazzled with a reception of a Jorginho pass and a brilliant turn past the defense before unleashing a shot past Agustin Marchesin into the bottom left corner of the net.
😀 That feeling when you score your first European goal...
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 7, 2021
Chelsea are living a charmed life with Porto playing very well. They might be missing their two top scorers Sergio Oliveira and Mehdi Taremi, who have 40% of the club's goals this season. #CFC#UCL#PORCHE
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 7, 2021
The strike in the 32nd minute from the 22-year-old made him Chelsea's youngest goalscorer in the Champions League knockout stage.
It was more of the same for much of the second half with The Blues continuing to control much of the possession but Porto playing well and creating chances and counters. Porto enjoyed a 12-6 advantage in overall shots and a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal, but Mendy and the Chelsea defense made sure to protect their narrow lead.
Chelsea fans waiting on news regarding Pulisic also surely breathed a sigh of relief when he subbed in for Timo Werner in the second half.
He wasn't the only one to provide some relief for The Blues, as Chilwell found the net in the 85th minute after Chelsea missed a golden opportunity to add insurance in the 60th minute and Pulisic hit the crossbar in the 84th.
That was more than enough against a Porto side that struggled to capitalize on their chances throughout the match.
What's Next?
Chelsea will be the home side for the second and final leg Tuesday, which will also take place at Sevilla's home ground. The victor will play the winner of the matchup between Real Madrid and Liverpool in the semifinals.
Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the first leg at home 3-1 on Tuesday.
Chelsea Top Atletico Madrid 3-0 on Aggregate, Advance to UCL Quarterfinals
Mar 17, 2021
Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech, right, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Champions League, round of 16, second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid at the Stamford Bridge stadium, London, Wednesday, March 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Chelsea is moving on to the quarterfinal stage of the UEFA Champions League after securing a 2-0 victory(3-0on aggregate) over Atletico Madrid in the second leg Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.
A stunning 68th-minute goal from Olivier Giroud in the first leg put the Blues in control heading into the home fixture.
Atletico struggled mightily in that match, Diego Simeone's defensive style coming back to bite the club as it failed to put a single shot on goal. Giroud's strike meant Atleti had to be more proactive in the return clash to have any hope of moving on.
They got a taste of their own medicine in the 34th minute.
Chelsea quickly dispelled the danger following a Koke free kick. Because Atletico had thrown so many men forward on the set piece, they were ripped apart on the counter. Kai Havertz found Timo Werner down the left flank, and Werner's low cross was perfectly placed to Hakim Ziyech.
Havertz ➡️ Werner ➡️ Ziyech
Chelsea's summer signings combine to put them up 2-0 on aggregate 😎
That Havertz, Werner and Ziyech combined for the goal will have been a pleasant sight for supporters.
The three haven't lived up to expectations since arriving in the summer, with Havertz and Werner, in particular, failing to deliver early returns on their £119.5 million in combined transfer fees. The opener was an illustration of what they can do together.
Havertz in the “Mount role” looks great. Dropping deeper and touching the ball a lot
As he floats, Werner can play as ST. He can also drift wide left, leaving Atleti CBs without a target. Ziyech looks comfortable. Either wide or central (Havertz plays infront of him). Very fluid
In general, the second leg played out much as the first one did. Even with the clear need to score, Atletico was unable to break Chelsea down, and the Blues' high press prevented Simeone's squad from making much progress into the final third.
Stefan Savic received a red card in the 82nd minute for delivering an elbow to the rib cage of Antonio Rudiger. His dismissal effectively put the finishing touches on the result.
Emerson eliminated any doubt when he doubled Chelsea's lead in the fourth minute of injury time, almost immediately after he entered the match for Havertz.
Luis Suarez has made a big impact in his first season at the club, scoring 18 goals in 24 La Liga matches so far. For whatever reason, the Uruguayan striker continues to be anonymous in continental matches away from home.
Luis Suarez extends his away leg goal drought in the Champions League to 25 games 😬 pic.twitter.com/khaciosxMI
Atletico Madrid isn't as moneyed as some others near the top of the European pyramid, but its collective showing in the round of 16 was disappointing.
Chelsea now awaits the results of Friday's quarterfinal and semifinal draw to learn of its path to Istanbul for the final on May 29.
The Blues haven't been firing on all cylinders—Saturday's 0-0 draw with Leeds United serving as a case in point—but their form has improved since Thomas Tuchel came aboard. They've yet to suffer a defeat with the German on the touchline.
Perhaps the stars can align for Chelsea to enjoy a European triumph.
What's Next?
Chelsea hosts Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday. Atletico is in action the same day in La Liga against Alaves, when it will hope to at least retain its four-point lead on second-place Barcelona.
Chelsea Fires Frank Lampard; Thomas Tuchel Reportedly to Be Named Replacement
Jan 25, 2021
Chelsea's head coach Frank Lampard looks on during warm up before the English FA Cup third round soccer match between Chelsea and Morecambe at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Chelsea announced the firing of manager Frank Lampard on Monday, with former Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel reportedly set to take over the struggling Premier League club.
"This was a very difficult decision for the club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him," owner Roman Abramovich said. He continued:
"He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics.
"However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers. On behalf of everyone at the club, the board and personally, I would like to thank Frank for his work as head coach and wish him every success in the future.
"He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains undiminished. He will always be warmly welcomed back at Stamford Bridge."
James Olley of ESPN reported that Tuchel, who was fired by PSG in December, has been tabbed as Lampard's replacement.
Lampard went 44-25-15 during his run as Chelsea manager, including a 28-18-11 mark during Premier League play. The Blues have lost five of their past eight Premier League matches, dropping them to ninth in the table.
The club will hope a change of manager will help to turn around its season in time to move into UEFA Champions League contention down the stretch.
Tuchel managed PSG to a 95-19-13 record from May 2018 to December 2020, most notably winning two Ligue 1 titles and guiding them to last season's Champions League final. The German arrived in Paris a year after a two-season spell with Borussia Dortmund that saw them win the DFB-Pokal.
Chelsea's Kai Havertz Self-Isolating After Positive Coronavirus Test
Nov 4, 2020
Chelsea's Kai Havertz during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool)
The 21-year-old will self-isolate and will miss at least Wednesday's Champions League match against Rennes.
Havertz has started all seven of Chelsea's Premier League matches and each of the first two UCL matches.
The German had two goals and one assist across the two competitions, adding three goals in one League Cup match.
Havertz became an international phenomenon at Bayer Leverkusen, where he developed into one of the top young stars in the Bundesliga. After months of speculation, he eventually transferred to Chelsea in September on an$88 million deal.
He was part of a rebuilt attack for the Blues, which also added Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.
These players will have to take on even bigger roles going forward, especially if Havertz is forced to miss an extended stretch.
Christian Pulisic, who is currently out with ahamstring injury, could also see more playing time when he returns to full strength.
Chelsea enter Wednesday in first place inChampions LeagueGroup E with four points through two matches. Rennes have just one draw and one loss in its first two UCL appearances this year.
Kai Havertz Joins Chelsea on 5-Year Contract After Bayer Leverkusen Transfer
Sep 4, 2020
Leverkusen's Kai Havertz looks aroundduring a training session in Duesseldorf, Germany Sunday Aug. 9, 2020. Leverkusen will play Inter Milan in a Europa League quarterfinal soccer match on Monday. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Chelseaannounced Friday they signed Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz to a five-year contract, adding to a busy summer for the Blues.
BREAKING: Chelsea complete the club-record singing of Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen pic.twitter.com/pSVaTmP0t9
"I am very happy and proud to be here," Havertz said in the club's press release. "For me, it is a dream come true to play in a big club like Chelsea and I can’t wait to meet all the players and the trainers. Yeah, I am very happy to be here!"
According to theGuardian'sEd Aarons and Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea paid an initial fee of £72 million, matching what theypaid to signKepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao in August 2018.
Havertz is the seventh player to make the move to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea spending a little more than£203 milliontotal so far on transfer fees.
One could question how much the Blues needed to add the 21-year-old, especially after having finalized deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. Manager Frank Lampard will have a tricky time balancing the playing needs of Havertz, Ziyech, Werner, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham.
However, this transfer in particular was too good for Chelsea to pass up.
Leverkusen manager Peter Boszsaid in Marchthe German club would be looking to demand more than €100 million for Havertz. B/R'sDean Jonesreported in June nothing had changed on that front despite the COVID-19 pandemic significantly limiting revenues for clubs around the world.
Havertz doesn't qualify as a bargain, but Chelsea's financial outlay is clearly less than it would've been under normal circumstances.
Thirty-three points separated Chelsea from Premier League champions Liverpool. One transfer window probably won't be enough for them to be crowned champions in 2021, and it remains unclear whether Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva are enough to significantly improve a defense that allowed 54 goals.
Making too many transfers can backfire as well in the event it disrupts the harmony in the dressing room or creates a disjointed team on the pitch.
But Lampard is clearly laying the groundwork for the future. Of the seven incoming players, Ziyech and Silva are the only two aged 24 or older.
Chelsea Announce Signing of Thiago Silva After Leaving PSG
Aug 28, 2020
PSG's Thiago Silva applauds fans at the end of the Champions League group A soccer match between PSG and Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Chelseaannounced Friday that they have officially signed center-back Thiago Silva, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired following the Ligue 1 club's defeat in the 2020 UEFA Champions League final:
Silva said the following about joining Chelsea, per the Blues' official website: "I am so happy to be joining Chelsea. I am delighted to be a part of Frank Lampard's exciting squad for next season and I'm here to challenge for honors. See you soon Chelsea fans, I look forward to playing at Stamford Bridge very soon."
Chelsea noted that Silva signed a one-year contract that includes a club option for the 2021-22 season.
The 35-year-old Silva is among the most accomplished defenders in the world.
Silva spent the past eight seasons at PSG and led them to seven Ligue 1 titles during his tenure. Silva also became the first Brazilian player to captain a squad to the Champions League final when he led PSG out against Bayern Munich.
Bayern won the title after a tightly contested 1-0 finish.
Before joining PSG, Silva played for Fluminense in Brazil and AC Milan in Italy. In 2011, he helped lead Milan to a Serie A title, and he also won the Supercoppa Italiana with the Rossoneri.
For three consecutive years from 2011-13, Silva won the Samba d'Or, which is given to the top Brazilian player playing in Europe. He has tasted international success too, winning the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2019 Copa America with Brazil.
Silva has played at a high level in Europe for over a decade, but by joining Chelsea, he will finally get his first opportunity to compete in the English Premier League.
Silva may have his work cut out for him in 2020-21 after Chelsea finished 33 points behind EPL champions Liverpool in the standings last season. However, the Blues are almost always considered one of the teams to beat and have strengthened the squad with new signings Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea Are Set to Win the Transfer Window—Now the Club Will Expect Trophies
Aug 25, 2020
A revolution is taking place in west London as Frank Lampard is given the resources to shape a Chelsea team that challenges for trophies at home and abroad once again.
The Blues are exploiting a market in which elite players have become available at a time when barely any of the other big clubs have the power to spend.
From the moment their transfer ban was reduced in December last year, following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Chelsea had intended to hit this market with force. At the time, though, they had no idea things would swing so significantly in their favour.
The opportunity to sign Timo Werner for £49 million was deemed too good to turn down and that same stance applies to Kai Havertz and Thiago Silva, who are both expected to complete deals by the end of this week.
On top of that, Chelsea now have an agreement for Leicester City's Ben Chilwell, a long-term target, in place. The deal could be concluded by Thursday, sources say.
And even once those three are through the door, B/R sources say the Blues will still target another new central defender and a goalkeeper.
This is a defining week for Lampard, as the second year of his project kicks into gear. Term 1 was all about youth integration, team bonding and character. The second will be about merging elitism, striving for greatness and putting together a squad that can genuinely pose a threat to Liverpool and Manchester City.
One source described Chelsea's 2020 summer transfer window as "beyond all expectations," so let's take a closer look at how these deals are coming together, starting in defence.
Silva has only been on the radar for a few weeks. The Blues knew he was being made available, but there was a feeling he already had a transfer lined up. An approach by intermediaries gave them an impression he might be attainable, and over the past week, details have been thrashed out over how they could complete a deal for the free agent, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
Sources say that because the 35-year-old remains in such good condition and form, a short-term deal seemed "too good not to do."
It's good news for Chelsea fans, and even better news is that his arrival will not impact on the fact that they still fancy signing another central defender before the October deadline. Malang Sarr, 21, could even arrive on a free from Nice, but Chelsea will still consider going for one more—a player with experience.
The club have been checking out potential homegrown targets and price enquiries have been raised over West Ham United's Declan Rice, John Stones of Manchester City and Burnley's James Tarkowski, but all come with hefty tags.
But there is also a chance they could yet move for Kalidou Koulibaly, with a path currently opening for negotiation with Napoli.
The Chilwell scenario has been the best planned, given that Chelsea first identified him in December as a target. Lampard is looking for a player who can handle the balance of defensive and attacking responsibilities down the left side, and the club have been pressing for an agreement over terms in the past fortnight.
Before the pandemic, Leicester had been looking for close to £80 million for the England international. Chelsea have negotiated a deal that will see them pay £50 million up front and around £10 million in add-ons.
The big capture will be Bayer Leverkusen's Havertz. Despite the fact that the 21-year-old clearly wants to join, negotiations have taken time. Chelsea set out with the intention not to pay over £60 million up front, but much discussion has been based around raising that initial payment. The German club expect a total £85 million package, including add-ons.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia continues to drive the club's business transactions and there hasn't been the same urgency over Havertz as there was to meet Werner's release clause. This transfer allows some space to negotiate over price, due to the fact that there is no release clause and also a real belief that no other club is in a position to hijack the deal.
Once the outfield players have been signed, we can expect the spotlight to fall back on £71 million Kepa Arrizabalaga—the most expensive goalkeeper in the world.
Lampard began to lose faith in the 25-year-old at the turn of the year and has been using performance director Petr Cech and former goalkeeping coach and current scout Christophe Lollichon as a sounding board to to help judge the Spain international's performances and also suggest potential targets.
The club know offloading Kepa won't be easy, and they may even have to subsidise his wages if a suitor does come along.
Sources suggest that, right now, Nick Pope of Burnley is seen as a very real and attainable target. One insider even suggested the Clarets have begun searching for a potential new No. 1 as they fear a bid from the Blues will arrive in the coming weeks.
Chelsea have also shown interest in Andre Onana of Ajax, but Pope's Premier League experience and the fact that he is seen as a future England international, are key factors. The 28-year-old's value could quickly increase if he arrives at Chelsea and then sees his international career take off.
The outlay of fees and wages for £37.8 million Hakim Ziyech, Werner, Havertz, Thiago and Chilwell—and potentially Pope and another centre-back—can be put into context by the sale of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid (£88.5 million rising to £130 million, per the Guardian) and Alvaro Morata's £58 million transfer to Atletico Madrid.
There will be further sales, with Emerson Palmieri, Marcos Alonso, Davide Zappacosta, Baba Rahman, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater, Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi all available.
Additionally, their 2019-20 transfer ban has given them a financial platform that few others have following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, this is also an attempt to make up ground in quick time and isn't too dissimilar to the approach Liverpool took to their spending from summer 2017 to 2018 for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Naby Keita and Fabinho.
Over that period, the Reds decided to spend cash that would usually be spread over three years. Their theory was that it would escalate their rise up the table and increase their chances of winning silverware sooner. They have not made a substantial signing since but do have a UEFA Champions League success and Premier League win to their name.
Chelsea managed a fourth-placed finish in the league and made it to the round of 16 in the Champions League during Lampard's first season in charge. But the stakes will now be raised.
It is eight years since the Blues won the Champions League and three years since their last domestic title. It's time for Lampard to start competing for those again, just as he did as a player.
What to Expect from Chelsea in the Summer Transfer Window
Jul 21, 2020
When the Premier League transfer window opens on July 27, Chelsea will be one of the best positioned clubs in the market.
The transfer ban they previously served suddenly looks like it will help them, as the money they saved during that period can now be invested at a time when other teams are struggling with cashflow.
Director Marina Granovskaia has a great reputation for selling players at a premium and closing deals for big players, and she is going to be central to all negotiations once again this summer.
Chelsea have already agreed deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner ahead of next season, but they will continue to recruit in order to help manager Frank Lampard close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City as the country's top clubs.
So how will the summer shape up? And what should we expect? Bleacher Report sources indicate that there could be activity in every position.
Goalkeeper
We revealed in February that Kepa Arrizabalaga's long-term future at the club was under threat, and that narrative has continued to play out ever since.
At the turn of the year, Lampard began to ponder whether he needed a new 'keeper and has been leaning on the knowledge of performance director Petr Cech and former goalkeeping coach and current scout Christophe Lollichon to help him judge Kepa's performances and also suggest potential targets.
Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope and Ajax stopper Andre Onana are two leading candidates who could be pursued if Chelsea decide to strengthen the position this summer.
They are going to struggle to find a new club for Kepa, though, because of the high fee they would be looking for.
Jan Oblak has been touted as a Chelsea target, with the prospect of an Atletico Madrid swap deal in mind, but that is highly unlikely.
Defence
It is a priority of Lampard's to strengthen his defensive options, and there is real consideration going into the level of player to pursue.
Top targets, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Milan Skriniar of Inter Milan, are highly valued by their clubs, but Chelsea know they need to make a statement so might yet make an offer for one of them.
Nathan Ake has long been considered for a return, but so far they have not pushed on with negotiations to get him back from Bournemouth, and now Manchester City are looking at the player.
Declan Rice is being linked with a move to Chelsea as a defender too. He has established himself at West Ham United as a midfielder but used to play at the back in past years in Chelsea's academy.
B/R sources are not convinced Lampard sees Rice as a full-time centre-back, but he is undoubtedly impressed by the player's versatility.
Germany's Antonio Rudiger, 27, and Denmark's Andreas Christensen, 24, are yet to be offered new deals at Chelsea, so both players might yet be open to offers from other clubs this summer.
Kurt Zouma will be made available at the right price. There have been some rumours about Fikayo Tomori being available for loan but sources say that is dependant on how many new defenders the club sign.
Chelsea are looking to offload one of Emerson or Marcos Alonso—or even both—in the coming weeks, and left-back will be an interesting position in terms of recruitment.
Ben Chilwell is currently being priced out of a move, but Chelsea do expect Leicester to eventually ease their stance and listen to offers under £60 million.
Sources around the club are confident they will sign Chilwell, but Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico is on the club's radar, too.
Midfield
This area will depend largely on whether Jorginho or N'Golo Kante leave this summer. Jorginho has had his head turned by interest from Juventus, and B/R understands he is set for talks with Chelsea officials next week to discuss his situation and understand how he feels about his future at the club.
Meanwhile, Kante is wanted by Inter Milan and Real Madrid, but things have not progressed at this stage with either. Madrid are unlikely to have the funds to sign him right now, so Inter might be the only club that cause Chelsea a headache here.
Lampard and his recruitment staff have a two-tier list of names they will turn to if a new midfielder is needed and will adapt the thinking depending on who leaves.
Attack
Kai Havertz is the high-profile name that pretty much every Chelsea fan wants to see in a blue shirt—and it is becoming a real possibility.
At this stage, Chelsea are in the bizarre situation of having no competition for his signature. The player was expecting many offers this summer, but his price tag is causing a big problem for other suitors. It is believed Havertz is satisfied that the Blues would be a good landing spot when he leaves Bayer Leverkusen.
Havertz is going to cost close to £90 million as it stands, but Chelsea will try to knock that down a little. They will propose paying £60 million up front and then topping up the amount, with the eventual total dependant on later bonus payments.
Talks between Granovskaia and Leverkusen managing director Rudi Voller are expected this week to see how they can move the deal forward.
On the back of a Havertz deal, watch out for how Callum Hudson-Odoi is impacted. One of the reasons Chelsea are still looking to sign players in forward positions is because there is concern over whether Hudson-Odoi is progressing quickly enough into the elite game-changer they had been expecting.
There is still hope, particularly as his contract runs until 2024, but he is being monitored closely.
Meanwhile, Willian is still expected to depart as the club do not seem willing to budge on the length of a new contract. Pedro is also leaving on a free transfer.
Chelsea's summer revamp is going to be one of the most exciting projects in football. They aim to show new ambition and get back to competing for titles in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
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John Terry Urges Chelsea to Sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund
Mar 20, 2020
DORTMUND, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 29: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund looks on during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Sport-Club Freiburg at Signal Iduna Park on February 29, 2020 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Chelsea legend John Terry has recommended his former club sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
Speaking to Frank Khalid (h/t Goal), Terry praised the Blues for having faith in youth under Frank Lampard, and recommended Sancho as a target for the Stamford Bridge club:
"We spoke at the start of the season about the likes of Tammy [Abraham] and Mason [Mount] coming into the squad and they've shown that they're capable of playing.
"I think Sancho is one of the best young players in the world at the moment, so he'd be a great addition to Chelsea's squad.
"It would make us better as well, but the ones that have come through, the Billy Gilmours, Tammy, Mason, Reece [James], it's endless isn't it? There have been so many positives this season."
Alex Young and James Olley of the Evening Standard reported Chelsea are ready to shatter their transfer record with a £120 million bid for Sancho, with the Blues motivated to beat Manchester United to his signature. The price would reportedly meet BVB's valuation for the 19-year-old, but the Red Devils also want the forward.
Terry also heaped praise on former team-mate Lampard for his opening season as Chelsea manager, working alongside assistant coach Jody Morris:
"It's been incredible because we said there was no one better, to give Lamps the job. With Jody Morris as well, he has someone who knows the younger players and works with them at the youth team and U-18 level as well.
"I think it's been a good mix. I think the expectation has been excellent because the group that they've had this year have done really, really well."
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - AUGUST 13 : Frank Lampard the head coach / manager of Chelsea with assistant manager Jody Morris during the Chelsea training session a Chelsea Training Session ahead of the UEFA Super Cup Final between Liverpool and Chelsea at the Vod
The Blues have spent much of the season in the top four of the Premier League, but a dip in consistency has allowed the chasing pack to catch up.
When the season was suspended on March 13 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, United sat only three points behind Chelsea in fifth, and any slip from Lampard's young team over the final matches would open the door for the Manchester giants.
Sancho's world-class potential would improve either club, and the England international has the statistics to back up his price tag.
The teenager has 16 goals and 17 assists in just 31 appearances in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League this season, making him one of the most productive forwards in the game.
Willian Asks Chelsea If He Can Join Family in Brazil amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Mar 20, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Willian of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Everton FC at Stamford Bridge on March 08, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Chelsea forward Willian has asked the Blues if he can return home to Brazil to be with family during the coronavirus outbreak.
Willian told Brazilian channelGlobo SporTV(h/t Alex Milne of the Mirror) he's currently alone in England because his wife and daughters have returned to Brazil:
"They went first, I was going to have a break and I was going too. Now, I'm checking here, if I have authorisation from the club.
"We're deciding, they are about to come back here, but as there was a meeting and there was a definition here, they postponed the league until April 30th… With that fact, I'm trying to get permission from the club to be able to go.
"I explained the situation, I'm trying to get authorisation. I heard that players from other clubs are going to Brazil too, maybe being close to the family at this moment."
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 15: Willian da Silva of Brazil runs with the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and Argentina at the King Saud University Stadium on November 15, 2019 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Eurasia Spor
Willian's contract expires in the summer, but the midfielder has said he will stay on with the Blues until the current campaign is completed, per Esporte Interativo (h/t Ben Pringle of the Daily Express).
The player explained his deal ends in July but said he remains "loyal" to the west London club until the season is over, which could go beyond then.
He turned down Chelsea's reported offer of a two-year contract and is searching for a three-year deal with increased wages, per Pringle.
Frank Lampard has displayed faith in his former team-mate after returning to Stamford Bridge to become manager.
The 31-year-old has started 27 games in the Premier League and Europe, and he will remain an important player in the final matches once the season resumes. Chelsea is fourth in the league and still has a UEFA Champions League tie with Bayern Munich remaining.
It was announced on Thursday that English football will remain suspended until at least April 30, with the season being extended indefinitely.
