Chelsea duo Willian and Pedro agree short-term contract extensions after two days of talks

Chelsea duo Willian and Pedro have agreed to play for the remainder of the Premier League season.

Posted Wednesday, June 24, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Willian and Pedro have agreed short-term contract extensions to stay with Chelsea until the end of the season.

The pair left it late, right until the deadline for extensions this season to be agreed, after two days of talks with manager Frank Lampard and director Marina Granovskaia.

Both players’ contracts are due to expire on June 30 - and Spain striker Pedro has already agreed a two year deal with Serie A club Roma for next season.

The news is a massive boost for Lampard, who admitted last week that he would need both players to ensure Chelsea’s chances of sealing Champions League football for next season.

"We want them to extend their stay and make sure they can see out the season," Lampard said.

Chelsea duo Willian and Pedro have agreed short-term contract extensions (Image: GETTY)

"I see both sides. I see the individual player because I was one, and I respect that they have both been great servants to the club.

"I’ve had nothing but open conversations with them. We’re just trying to make that extension happen. The players have to be happy. We have to be happy. Hopefully, we can get there before the 23rd of June, next week, because that’s the day we have to get it done by.

"Anyone around us knows that. So we will keep talking and hopefully they stay on."

Chelsea are also still in the FA Cup, and after they face Manchester City in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, they travel to Leicester in the sixth round. The final is on August 1.

Willian played for 89 minutes of Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Sunday in their first game back after the re-start, while Pedro was an unused substitute.

Brazilian Willian is also a free agent at the end of this season after rejecting a two year deal offered to him by the club - but despite interest from both Tottenham and Arsenal, his future is unclear.

Pedro’s agreement hinged on finalising negotiations with Roma.

Chelsea are back in Premier League action against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday (8.15pm).