In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, Willian talks about the prospect of an extended stay at Stamford Bridge, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers rules out the possibility of players leaving during next month’s transfer window and Pedro admits he could be heading back to Barcelona next summer.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Willian hopeful on new deal
Sky Sports reports a contract extension for Willian could be close at the hand with the Brazilian winger saying in an interview that he ‘hopes we can have some good news soon’.
The 31-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season but despite interest from a number of clubs including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, he is keen on extending his stay at the club which he joined in 2013 and where he has won two Premier League titles.
‘I have stated several times my wish is to stay at Chelsea. I like the club very much, I feel very welcomed here, as well as my family, and we love living in London,’ said Willian in Portuguese to Yahoo Sport.
‘However, I'm in the middle of the season and I try not to think about it so as not to lose focus on the field. My agent and the club are talking and I hope we can have some good news soon.
‘In transfer windows it is normal to have bids and speculations, especially for players who are in final contract. But my focus is 100 per cent on Chelsea and the season.’
Leicester not letting go of Chillwell
According to the Evening Standard, Leicester City will not allow any of their players to leave during the January transfer window, ruling out the possibility of Ben Chillwell moving to Stamford Bridge.
Reports which have linked the England left-back with a move to west London have heated up since Chelsea’s transfer embargo was reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last week.
However, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers said he will not let the 22-year-old or any of his Leicester team-mates move elsewhere next month.
‘There’ll be no-one leaving in January. Categorically,’ said Rodgers.
‘I’m sure if we speak (to the hierarchy), they will have the same message.
‘I speak regularly with Jon [Rudkins] and Top [Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha]. It’s very clear we want to keep this squad together. We want to ensure they stay around beyond January.’
Pedro keen for Barca return
According to the Daily Mail, Pedro has admitted that a return to Barcelona is a 'possibility' with the Spanish winger’s contract with the Blues set to expire next summer.
The 32-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2015 and has won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League with the Blues over the past four years.
However, he retains a strong connection with his former club where he came up through the academy and won numerous honours in nine seasons as a senior player.
'Everyone knows what I feel for the club and it's evident that it's a possibility to go back. I've always said it,' said Pedro in a radio interview with Cadena Ser Catalunya.
'It's a club I have special love for because I support them. I've had so many experiences there and was there so many years, I feel loved by the fans.
'It's an option that's always there and that I hope could happen.
'I don't know if it's in the hands of the president, the coach or whoever. I think for them my return is difficult but it's clearly a possibility.'