Chelsea star agrees new four-year deal

Robin Bairner

• 10 Apr 2023 09:05 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea star Ben Chilwell is poised to sign a new four-year contract with the club in order to fend off interest from Manchester City.

The Blues are already planning for the summer, at which point they plan to trim their squad significantly. In the meantime, they are planning to resolve a number of contract issues, of which Chilwell’s is one.

The Athletic reports that although there is no permanent manager in charge at Stamford Bridge at present – Frank Lampard having taken the interim reins last week prior to a 1-0 loss at Wolves – Chilwell is a player the Blues are eager to keep.

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Chelsea do not want any players entering the last two years of their contract, which would make them vulnerable to leaving either on a cut-price deal or potentially for nothing at all.

They have been prompted to move on Chilwell because of Manchester City’s interest in the 26-year-old, who has been troubled by injury since a €50 million move from Leicester in 2020 but has performed ably on the field.

He will sign a new contract until 2027, having previously been contracted to the club until 2025.

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Chilwell on bouncing back from injury

Chilwell, who has played 26 times for Chelsea this season, has previously spoken of the psychological strain of playing professional football, particularly after suffering from his injury issues.

“I've been talking to someone for a few years now,” Chilwell said.

“I think the stigma around it is silly really, especially with men and men in football in particular.

“The way it has helped me, it can definitely help everyone. The stigma around it is something that needs to go.”

After missing the World Cup due to a hamstring injury, he said: “Of course mentally it is very challenging.

“All footballers go through periods of their career where things are mentally challenging.

“You have got to be resilient, be strong and try come through it. That is the way I have tried to look at injuries I have had, spin them into positive situations where I can better myself mentally and physically.”

Chelsea and Chilwell will hope his injury problems have cleared so the next four years at Stamford Bridge are even more productive than the three he has already enjoyed.