Here is your Chelsea morning digest on Friday, May 22.
Blues skipper steps into gaming world
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has become the latest Premier League player to invest in his own esports team.
The Spaniard is now part owner of FIFA team Falcons, which was setup by Spanish gamers and YouTubeers Jose Antonio Cacho and Jesus Rincon.
Azpilicueta follows in the footsteps of Mesut Ozil, Gareth Bale and Ronaldinho who also have business interests in the gaming world.
"We have a great structure where there are people working behind the scenes on everything, so that our players feel like they have people working for them, too," he told ESPN.
"There is a manager, people working on social media, on Twitch, on content. It is far more than just having a player sitting behind a TV trying to win a game."
Contract extension signals good news for Chelsea stopper
Willy Caballero’s one-year contract extension is likely to signal that Kepa Arrizabalaga will remain Blues number one for the foreseeable future.
The Spaniard had fallen out of favour after some disappointing displays, with rumours that Frank Lampard was looking to bring in a replacement.
However, the decision to hang on to Arrizabalaga’s aging but experienced understudy should indicate that the manager will keep the goalkeeping setup as it currently is next season.
"I trust in Willy, he trains brilliantly and is a great professional.” Lampard said of his backup stopper. “He stepped into the team earlier this year and showed his quality, and his experience is invaluable in the dressing room.
Further contract news expected
In addition to Caballero’s new deal, striker Olivier Giroud will also remain at the club after signing a one year extension.
With the uncertainty over the football economy and transfer window, Lampard has tied the two players tied down, keeping his squad healthy for next season.
However, the manager and club must also and assess other players to see where else contracts may be issued.
Football London’s Oliver Harbord looks at the players who may or may not be in line for new deals.
