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Chelsea manager Frank Lampard reveals contract stance on Willian, Pedro and Giroud
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard wants to keep out-of-contract players Willian, Pedro and Olivier Giroud at Stamford Bridge on short-term deals this summer.
Premier League: Frank Lampard addresses continuing season
Frank Lampard has revealed that Chelsea are looking to extend the current deals of their out-of-contract players if the Premier League season restarts. Willian, Pedro, Olivier Giroud and Willy Caballero are all due to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of next month.
However, the postponement of Premier League fixtures due to the coronavirus crisis has caused a logistical headache for both players and clubs.
Lampard is keen to keep hold of the experienced quartet and provide some continuity ahead of Project Restart.
But all four players must decide whether to sign a short-term deal and risk injury, thereby harming their chances of a lucrative contract elsewhere next season.
Speaking to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, Lampard said: “It is still uncertain if and when play will get underway. We have big players [out of contract] so that's something I'm obviously looking at very carefully.
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“The ones who are out of contract here have been great servants for the club, and actually have a lot of feeling for the club.
“Of course they'll be concerned about themselves, in terms of how training is now is and if the pre-season is a rush they're going to have to make sure they're alright.
“So it's going to have to be something we have to look at, hopefully we can make that arrangement can be made so they can stay with us.
“I would love the squad to look as it has all season, but we'll have to see how that works.”
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With the Premier League hoping to resume next month, Chelsea have until June 23 to agree temporary extensions with their out-of-contract quartet.
Willian has already said that he would be willing to play out the remainder of the season with Chelsea but it remains unlikely that the 31-year-old will agree a new deal to keep him at Chelsea any longer.
The Brazilian has been offered a two-year extension but turned it down on the basis that he wanted a three-year deal and a pay rise.
Willian now looks most likely to switch to London rivals Arsenal or join former manager Jose Mourinho at Tottenham.
Olivier Giroud has previously expressed his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the current campaign, and the Frenchman could well have done enough to earn a new contract.
The World Cup winner showed his worth to Lampard by deputising for the injured Tammy Abraham shortly before Premier League action halted.
The arrival of Christian Pulisic last season harmed Pedro’s playing time, while Hakim Ziyech is set to arrive this summer and add further attacking competition.
It therefore looks unlikely that the Spaniard will remain at Chelsea long-term, although the 32-year-old is another who has said he wants to stay with the Blues.
Meanwhile, Willy Caballero provided adequate cover for Kepa Arrizabalaga last term but 39 in September so Lampard may look to usher in a younger replacement stopper.