Chelsea are in 'limbo' over season-ending contract extensions for Pedro and Willian - who are both out of contract on 30 June - as the pair harbour fears over sustaining injuries between now and the end of the campaign.
Both players have been heading for the Stamford Bridge exit door for a number of months, as numerous clubs from around Europe eye up the opportunity to sign two high-profile wingers on free transfers.
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It's an unusual situation to say the least, with football still coming to terms with the unprecedented halt to action brought on by the coronavirus. Normally, players out of contract at the end of June would have completed the league campaign, and would be free to pack their bags for pastures new.
But the extension to the 2019/20 Premier League season has caused chaos as clubs look to agree temporary extensions with players. Two of Chelsea's more prominent cases are Pedro and Willian - others are out of contract too - and the Telegraph report that an agreement is far from being reached.
The report states that both players are keen to complete the season, but they are wary about picking up serious injuries between now and the end of the campaign - which could impact moves to prospective new employers.
In an effort to combat those fears, one solution could be to include clauses in any temporary extensions that would guarantee them another short-term extension should they suffer an injury that prevents a move.
This comes with its own problem, though, as no date has been set for the transfer window to open - leaving Chelsea currently reluctant to do so.
The Blues have tried to tie down Willian beyond this season, although their two-year offer falls 12 months short of the 31-year-old's wishes to make him stay at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with the Brazilian, while Pedro has attracted interest from Serie A and La Liga.
Negotiations will continue between the club and its players until June 23, when the deadline passes for agreements to have been reached.
Source : 90min