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Football London
Football London
Sport
Oliver Harbord

Chelsea confirm double contract extensions for first team players

Chelsea have confirmed that they have extended the contracts for Olivier Giroud and Willy Caballero.

Both players had deals which were running out at the end of the 2019/20 campaign, however they have now been extended for another season.

Giroud, 33, and Caballero, 38, have mainly been back-up players under Frank Lampard this season, however both have been called into action in recent months.

World Cup-winner Giroud was keen on a Blues exit in January, however that was blocked due to Chelsea's failure to bring in another striker in his place.

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With the injury to Tammy Abraham and the disappointing start by Michy Batshuayi, Giroud stepped into the starting XI and impressed.

He scored a big goal against Tottenham Hotspur and bagged another in the 4-0 rout over Everton before the season was suspended.

Frank Lampard said: "Since I have been back at Chelsea, Olivier has been brilliant as a professional and as a man in general.

"He has great qualities to help the squad both on and off the pitch, not only with his talent but with the example he sets every day and the experience he brings to our young squad. I am very pleased that will continue next season."

With Batshuayi set to be sold this summer, Giroud could be another useful tool for Lampard in what could be a difficult summer to sign new players.

Meanwhile, Caballero replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal after the Spaniard suffered a dip in form.

Caballero started four Premier League games and then the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

The goalkeeper said: "I am very happy to make this announcement. It is a privilege to be part of this Chelsea squad and the Chelsea family, at one of the most historic clubs in the Premier League.

"It is a difficult time for everyone right now so I feel blessed by this opportunity and truly appreciate it. I want to thank my team-mates for helping me to be my best and I want to thank the boss and the club for extending my contract.

"I’m sure they will continue to demand the maximum from me and I will compete with the same energy as always. I am very happy."

Pedro and Willian now remain the two key first team players who are out of contract this summer and could be set to leave on a free transfer.

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