Chelsea Transfer News: Frank Lampard Return Reported, Latest Blues Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer former midfielder Frank Lampard a role at the club should he decide to end his playing career. 

It was confirmed by New York City FC on Monday the 38-year-old would be leaving the team at the end of the current Major League Soccer season, with Lampard having stated on Instagram he will be making an announcement over his future soon.

According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, if the former England international does hang up his boots, Chelsea are ready to offer him a position at Stamford Bridge.

“They are keen to give jobs to former greats who have played a key role in their emergence as a force domestically and in Europe,” Mokbel added.

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Lampard, who is Chelsea’s all-time record goalscorer with 211 strikes, eventually enjoyed a successful spell in New York after a difficult start to life at the club; he netted 15 goals in 31 appearances over two seasons, helping the franchise reach the MLS Cup play-offs for the first time in 2016.

As these numbers from OptaJoe illustrate, in his heyday Lampard was one of the best midfielders in world football:

It’d be a smart move for the Blues to bring the club icon back. Some Chelsea supporters were left a little disappointed when Lampard moved to Manchester City on loan during the 2014-15 season, although in the main he’s still revered by the Stamford Bridge faithful. His influence could only be a positive one at the club.

After all, aside from his goalscoring, Lampard is a winner—with one UEFA Champions League triumph and three Premier League titles to his name—a Chelsea legend and someone who always speaks with great insight about the game. 

However, given he’s still scoring goals and in brilliant shape, perhaps the midfielder feels as though he has one last on-field adventure left in him.

Inter Milan Eye Oscar

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According to Calciomercato (h/t Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star), Chelsea midfielder Oscar is a target for Inter Milan, with the Brazilian’s relationship with manager Antonio Conte said to have deteriorated.

The report suggested that the dynamic between player and coach is "frosty," with Oscar having to make do with a spot on the bench at Stamford Bridge. Conte’s shift to a 3-4-3 system means there’s no natural spot for the 25-year-old in the XI.

While the playmaker may be frustrated not to be involved from the off as things stand, it’s difficult to argue with the results of the team at this time. Indeed, since changing their system, Chelsea have won five matches in succession in the Premier League, scoring 16 goals and conceding zero.

As noted by Squawka’s Greg Johnson, the Blues’ attacking trio of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Pedro have flourished:

It means that as well as Oscar, players such as Willian, Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi are having to bide their time at Stamford Bridge as things stand. After all, given there’s no European football for the Blues this season and they’re out of the EFL Cup, there’s no onus on Conte to tinker with a formula that's yielding results.

Therefore, the chance to start afresh elsewhere and become a key member of a new team may appeal to the Brazilian.