Talks over Chelsea trio’s future on hold

Boss Frank Lampard says he has had no discussions about the futures of Olivier Giroud, Willian and Pedro and will not be doing so until next month. 

Giroud, 33, has only made seven appearances for the Blues this season, with just three starts. And, like wingers wingers Willian and Pedro, he is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Giroud has still been a regular for the French national team, scoring four goals in seven appearances, but is mindful that a lack of game time in club football could affect his chances of remaining a key part of the side for Euro 2020.

“The players, all the players that are here, I won’t have any talk about anything in January until we get to January – from anybody,” Lampard said.

“I am happy for him (Giroud) to stay, but with every player in the squad I want them to be here for Chelsea and have the right professionalism and desire to be here. He has shown me that in training every day this season so that is what I am happy with.”

Willian, 31, has been a key figure under Lampard, who been full of praise for the Brazilian’s work-rate and influence during his 21 matches this season.

But Pedro, 32, has struggled with Willian, Christian Pulisic and the fit-again Callum-Hudson-Odoi all seemingly preferred options. The Spaniard has started just six games this term, with a further three substitute appearances.

“As a manager I have full conversations upstairs,” Lampard explained.

“There is a money side, there is a playing side. I want players that want to be here and can perform well for us and they [Willian and Pedro] have done over well their careers here so that is simple from my point of view; I want good players here.”

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