Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has insisted that he will "100 per cent" be at the club next season.

The Spain international has primarily been used as a substitute under manager Antonio Conte this term, prompting speculation about a possible exit. However, the playmaker is adamant he'll be at Stamford Bridge for the start of the 2017-18 campaign.

"100 per cent," was Fabregas' response when asked whether he'd still be donning the royal blue next season, per James Walker-Roberts of Sky Sports. "I am not thinking about anything else than challenging myself here. The situation from six months ago to now has changed massively."

Fabregas continued, suggesting that "not for one second did I want to leave" despite talk of a potential exit, although he admitted the season has been a "big challenge."

Indeed, previously a key man in his first two seasons at the club, Fabregas has become a peripheral figure. However, in his substitute appearances, he's impressed, as these numbers from WhoScored.com show:

With N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic forming a fearsome partnership at the heart of the Chelsea midfield, it's understandable that Fabregas has had to wait for his opportunity. But he's proven to be a man for all occasions for Conte.

When Chelsea need a player to slow down the tempo of a match, Fabregas can do that. Additionally, if the Blues are chasing a goal, his passing range and intelligence can help open up defences. As a result, even though the former Barcelona man hasn't been starting matches every week, he's played a key part in the team's surge to the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal Scout Faouzi Ghoulam

According to Tutttomercatoweb (h/t Football Italia), Arsenal scouts will run the rule over Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam on Saturday, a player who is also a reported target for Chelsea.

The piece suggested that Arsenal are taking a look at Partenopei star Lorenzo Insigne as well as the Algeria international. Pietro Lazzerini of the Evening Standard reported earlier in the season that Ghoulam had turned down a new deal at the San Paolo because the Blues are interested in signing him.

The left-back has developed a reputation as one of the standout players in his position in Italian football. Here's a look at why he's said to be attracting attention from some massive names in Europe:

Napoli have been one of the most thrilling teams to watch in Serie A this term, and although his primary duty is to defend, Ghoulam has played his part in forging this attacking swagger. 

The full-back is adventurous in his forward bursts, calm on the ball in the final third and has the energy needed to recover his defensive position. Additionally, and perhaps crucially for Chelsea, he's shown he can thrive as both a full-back and a wing-back in his career.

Here's how Ghoulam has compared this season with Blues wing-back Marcos Alonso and Arsenal's Nacho Monreal:

For Conte, the 26-year-old would tick a lot of boxes in terms of physicality, industry and versatility. Additionally, if Alonso were to pick up an injury or suspension, there's no other player who is a natural for the left side.

It seems as though the Blues may face stiff competition for the Napoli man, though. According to the report, as well as the two Premier League sides, Bayern Munich have also shown an interest in Ghoulam.