Chelsea prime target Declan Rice explains why he watches his role model N’Golo Kante footage

Declan Rice admits midfielder N’Golo Kante is his role model but he also wants to emulate the ability of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

West Ham midfielder Rice has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and the England talent has been studying Kante in a bid to develop his game.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is a big admirer of Rice and has earmarked him as a long-term signing.

But the 21-year-old has admitted he watches footage of Kante in a bid to develop his own game.

Rice told The Times: “The main one I’ve always watched is Kante in my position. Sometimes in games, I get sucked out of position a little bit, attracted to the ball.

“I’m so enthusiastic to get the ball back for the team, I’m probably just better off saving my legs sometimes. I do more running than I should, put it that way.

“I’m so enthusiastic just to go and win the ball back where pretty much everything would come through me anyway if I stood right in the middle. That’s what Sergio Busquets and Kante do.”

David Luiz responds to reported rift between him and Mikel Arteta over Arsenal implosion

Former Chelsea centre-back David Luiz has denied reports of a rift between himself and Mikel Arteta amid Arsenal’s nightmare run of form.

According to football.london, a dressing room revolt is brewing over Arteta’s handling of the team.

Luiz’s relationship with the manager was described as having ‘soured’ – leading to the pair allegedly not talking to each other for several weeks.

Yet the Brazilian’s representatives quickly rebutted the suggestion.

A statement read: “David Luiz strongly denies this story about him and Arteta and insists he has a good relationship with Arteta and wishes nothing but success.”

Doctor provides injury update on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen

Napoli doctor Raffaele Canonico confirms Victor Osimhen doesn’t need surgery and reveals when he could return to action.

The Nigerian striker picked up a shoulder injury while on international duty in November.

A report of Tuttosport, denied by the player, had claimed Nigeria medics made his shoulder injury worse.

“My colleagues deserve to be praised,” Canonico told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli as cited by Football Italia.

“They were quick in the clinical approach. Victor was lucky, he could have had more serious damages. He suffered a with no surgical interest,” he added.

“The recovery time always depends on the person. For this kind of injury, it could take from 30 to 70 days to return to action.

“It is not the problem of resetting the shoulder. The hard work comes later with physiotherapy which must be done in order to restore the strength and protect the shoulder joint. A player who uses his arms needs a secure muscle structure. Both physical therapists and [Gennaro] Gattuso’s trainers are doing a great job.

“I see a guy who improves every day, in an important way. I hope he comes back before the Christmas break but it’s hard to make predictions. The best thing would be to let him complete the rehab with no rush.”

(Watch Video) Danny Drinkwater sent-off after angrily kicking 16-year-old Alfie Devine as Petr Cech returns

Danny Drinkwater was shown a red card after angrily kicking out following Alfie Devine’s lunging challenge, as Chelsea’s Under-23s overcame their Spurs counterparts 3-2 in a thrilling encounter that also saw the return of Petr Cech.

Facing London rivals Tottenham on Monday night, the 30-year-old played his part as Chelsea fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, before setting a rather poor example for the youngsters around him.

Tottenham took the lead through Jubril Okedina and Dane Scarlett in the first half before Chelsea roared back in the second thanks to goals from Myles Peart-Harris, Marcel Lewis and then an 88th-minute winner from Peart-Harris to complete the comeback.

Drinkwater was brought down by Spurs’ Alfie Devine, who was also shown a red for his nasty challenge, before kicking out at the teenager in retaliation.

The reaction sparked a mass brawl on the pitch at Kingsmeadow which had to be broken up by Petr Cech, who made a shock return to action in Monday’s clash.

Photo Credit: Twitter/ChelseaFC