Chelsea are extending the contract of Olivier Giroud and trying to sign Dries Mertens, according to reports, despite insubstantial links to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The media reported on three Chelsea transfer stories in the last day, each with a bit of an Arsenal connection. Di Marzio claim Chelsea are extending the contract of former Gunner Olivier Giroud, whilst also pushing to sign Dries Mertens.

The Italian media previously linked Mertens to Arsenal, but Frank Lampard is reportedly in contact with the player to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge instead. If they sign Mertens, it’s possible they’ll try to sell Giroud immediately after extending his deal.

Meanwhile, rumours started flying around about Chelsea interest in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The story was built on fairly flimsy foundations. An article by Matt Law in the Telegraph claimed “Chelsea and Barcelona among clubs interested in [Aubameyang]”. However, he later clarified on Twitter that it was just his opinion that Aubameyang would fit them well.

Law’s editor added the sub-heading specifically referencing Chelsea’s interest. It wasn’t a line based on inside information, just an editor trying to sell a story by exaggerating its content.

The Giroud and Mertens stories look far more credible. A free transfer and a contract extension are much more likely for this coronavirus-affected summer than Chelsea paying up for the star striker of a rival.