Transfer gossip: Speculation over Barkley and Lukaku continues

Chelsea continue to be linked with Everton duo Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku.

The Sunday Mirror say Arsenal have joined a race to sign England midfielder Barkley and will battle with the Blues and Tottenham.

And the Mail on Sunday say Chelsea are leading the race to sign Lukaku, who has been touted for a possible return to his former club after rejecting the offer of a new contract at Everton.

The Sun on Sunday claim Chelsea legend Didier Drogba will play a major role in persuading Lukaku to return to Stamford Bridge.

The pair remain friends from their time at Chelsea and the suggestion is that Drogba will convince Lukaku to go back.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have again been linked with Monaco’s Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva.

The Sunday Mirror declare that the Blues “are preparing a £40m double swoop.”