Sarri wants new contracts for ‘leaders’ David Luiz and Cesc Fàbregas

David Luiz and Cesc Fàbregas may be enjoying different levels of trust from the head coach this season, with the former a nailed-on first-choice starter and the latter scrapping for backup and rotational minutes, but they do have a few things in common.

They are the same age and bring similar levels of veteran leadership and winning mentality to the team. They have both been around Chelsea for a while and won multiple trophies, especially David Luiz. They are both on expiring contracts and entering the last six months of their deals.

And Maurizio Sarri wants contract extensions done for both them.

“I spoke with the club about [offering them new contracts] one month ago. I know very well it is not easy, but I think we can do a new deal for both.”

“They are very important players for us. It is very difficult to find a centre-back for this level and it is difficult to find a centre-midfielder as technical as Fàbregas, so I think they have to stay with us.”

“[...] I think David and Cesc are leaders, I think it is important for me and the staff if they stay with us.”

Chelsea’s, more or less official, policy is to offer only one-year extensions to players over 30. That rule was not changed even for John Terry, so it’s unlikely to change now for David or Cesc either, regardless of what they might prefer.

“The deal is very difficult for this reason [as they are players over the age of 30]. The club want a short contract and the players want a long contract, it is difficult for this reason.”

“[...] I know the difficulties of the new deal. The problem is only, one or two years for a new contract, but I think the club can find a right solution.”

-Maurizio Sarri; Source: football.london

Both players have expressed interest in continuing with the Blues, although Fabregas has been increasingly strongly linked with AC Milan as well. But if Sarri can convince Chelsea that two veterans offer something to the club still, perhaps extensions that don’t seem to be likely at the moment can indeed be worked out.