CHELSEA have temporarily ceased all contract talks as they wait to see if the coronavirus pandemic will force the season to finish after June 30.
Willian, Pedro, Olivier Giroud and Willy Caballero’s current deals are all set to expire in the summer.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Olivier Giroud and Willian are among the Chelsea stars out of contract in the summerCredit: REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
But if the season is to go on beyond the end of June, Premier League clubs would be allowed to hand out-of-contract stars temporary – potentially even week-by-week – deals.
The Telegraph report that Chelsea are monitoring the situation closely, and will not resume negotiations until there is more certainty over when they will next play.
The league is currently suspended until April 30.
Winger Willian turned down a two-year contract extension before the Covid-19 outbreak.
But the 31-year-old has since vowed to keep playing for Chelsea until the end of the season beyond the expiry of his deal, if required to.
He told Brazilian TV channel Esporte Interativo: “And if I had to play on those dates, in these months, I think it would be no problem for me to end the league in a way which would be loyal to the club, as they always were with me.
“Regardless of a signed paper.”
Chelsea’s No10 is currently back in his native Brazil, after being handed special dispensation by the club to return and be with his wife and children.
I’m terminating my contract, but right now it’s not the most important thing, nor have I stopped to think about it.”
Pedro
Olivier Giroud had been frozen out earlier in the campaign, but after getting a run of starts following Tammy Abraham’s injury, expressed an interest in extending his Chelsea stay.
The club are yet to make a decision on the Frenchman, however, with veteran backup goalkeeper Willy Caballero in a similar position.
Pedro, on the other hand, has already confirmed that he will leave the club.
The 32-year-old told Cadena Ser: “I’m terminating my contract, but right now it’s not the most important thing, nor have I stopped to think about it.”
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – BE IN THE KNOW
Get the latest coronavirus news, facts and figures from around the world – plus essential advice for you and your family.
To receive our Covid-19 newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Pedro will wave goodbye to Stamford Bridge in the summerCredit: PA:Press Association
The West Londoners had also been hoping to tie top-scorer Tammy Abraham down to a new contract before the outbreak.
The 22-year-old has two years remaining on his contract, and Chelsea are keen to keep him at Stamford Bridge for the long haul, having benefited from his 13 league goals this season.
Prior to the division being suspended, Chelsea sat fourth in the Premier League table, three points above Manchester United and on course to secure Champions League qualification.
Willy Caballero’s future is up in the airCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas works out on his balcony amid coronavirus lockdown
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
