Ben Chilwell has reportedly agreed to sign a contract extension at Chelsea, ending speculation regarding his future.
The left-back has proven to be an important player for the Blues since making the £50m from Leicester City in August 2020.
Chilwell has made 80 appearances in all competitions, contributing nine goals and 12 assists during that time, although the 26-year-old has spent lengthy periods on the sidelines with various injuries.
However, that has arguably only highlighted Chilwell's importance at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea having looked a weaker team in his absence.
Since Chelsea begun a new era with different owners at the end of May, there has been a focus on ensuring that as many players as possible do not enter the final two years of their respective contracts.
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With Chilwell's deal due to expire in 2025, that has naturally led to talk about the next phase of his career with the England international not short of admirers.
At a time when Pep Guardiola may require a different option at left-back, it has been claimed that Manchester City hold an interest in signing Chilwell.
Chelsea will also soon be in a position where they have to make substantial cutbacks in order to meet FFP criteria, making Chilwell an obvious option when it comes to raising funds.
Nevertheless, according to The Athletic, Chilwell is ready to commit his future to the West Londoners by penning fresh terms.
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The report claims that Chilwell will sign a deal until the end of the 2026-27 campaign, an extension of two years which is not necessarily in keeping with the club's preferred strategy.
Since last year, it has become apparent that the Chelsea hierarchy would like as many players as possible to be on contracts of at least six years, spreading the financial outlay over a longer period to help FFP matters.
That said, retaining the services of Chilwell, should it be confirmed, will still be regarded as an important coup ahead of a period of uncertainty.
Unless Chelsea win this season's Champions League, interim boss Frank Lampard would need to lead the club to a minimum of seventh place in the Premier League table to achieve European qualification, the current gap standing at seven points.
Darren Plant
