Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has made it clear that despite the Blues’ €40 million (£33m/$43m) deal for Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech, Willian and Pedro will remain at the club and would be an integral part of the squad.
With the acquisition of the highly-rated Morocco international, the Stamford Bridge outfit are preparing to welcome added creativity onto their books. The creative winger has starred during his time in the Netherlands and is already being tipped to set the stage on fire in England.
However, there is no guarantee that he can excel in the Premier League right from his first season as Chelsea has already witnessed with Christian Pulisic that a player can take time to adjust to the league. And keeping this in mind, experienced players around the team would be a good idea.
Lampard has suggested that he shares the same mindset and is hoping that the Blues can at least reach one agreement when it comes to talks over expiring contracts with Willian and Pedro.
Pressed on whether a swoop for Ziyech means that the pair of Willian and Pedro are now surplus to requirements, in the long run,
Lampard said: “No it doesn’t.
“Conversations are ongoing with those players. They have both been successful players with the club.”
However, Lampard is excited by the potential in a big-money agreement for Ziyech.
He had in winter hoped to get the 26-year-old on board but is now prepared to wait until the summer.”
Lampard added: “We tried and it was not possible. We all know how the January window works.
“You respect that clubs with top players want to keep them and that was the case. But that is done and we have him for next season. Pleased with that.
“I think he’s a fantastic player. He first came into my eye-line in their run in the Champions League last year. I thought he was one of their standout players, particularly in their games against Tottenham.
“We’ve come up against them twice this season so I know a lot about him. I know about his qualities.
“He’s got a great left foot and plays generally off the right-hand side but can play behind the frontman. Probably when you look at us this season there have been games where we may have maybe struggled to unlock the door.
“He’s certainly a player we hope can bring that bit of creativity and something different for us. He scores goals, assists.
“I know he’s not coming now but I think it’s exciting for us as a club and the fans to know that he’ll be here next year.”
