Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has explained his decision to extend his contract at Stamford Bridge for a further two years.
Chilwell, whose initial deal ran until 2025, has agreed to sign a new contract that ties him to the club until 2027.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a key player for the Blues since joining for a reported £50million from Leicester City in 2020, so it is hardly a surprise that Chelsea would like to offer him an improved deal.
This could also help fend off possible interest from other clubs, including Manchester City, who had reportedly been monitoring the defender.
Chilwell, who has won the UEFA Champions League and Super Cup at Chelsea, is also clearly enjoying life in west London.
He said the Chelsea fans played a part in that as he expressed his desire to repay their warm reception.
“I feel very settled at Chelsea and have really enjoyed my time on the pitch here,” the England international told Chelsea’s official website.
“So I’m very pleased the club want me to be part of the project long-term, and am very happy to sign this extension to my contract.
“We are working hard for success and I will do my best to bring more smiles to the faces of the fans who have made me feel so welcome.”
Despite Chilwell’s contract extension, Chelsea are still facing big decisions with several players nearing the end of their current deals.
N’Golo Kante is in the final months of his Chelsea deal, and so are loanees; Denis Zakaria and Joao Felix.
Seven players’ contracts will expire in 2024, including key players such as Thiago Silva, Mason Mount, and Mateo Kovacic.
Silva is likely an exception, but Chelsea are expected to listen to offers for players who will enter the final year of their contracts this summer if they do not sign new deals.
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