Chelsea will enter a new era whenever the transfer window opens. Olivier Giroud, Pedro, and Willian are awaiting their futures into it.
Chelsea’s youth revolution cannot and will not stop so long as Frank Lampard as manager. But while it is fantastic to see a squad of potential homegrown world beaters, it is also good to flavor that same squad with some experience to push them through new experiences.
The Hakim Ziyech transfer is one indication that Chelsea is trying to find that balance. At 27, Ziyech is entering his prime and though it will be a new experience for him too, he has more to draw on to find solutions than Mason Mount or even Ruben Loftus-Cheek would.
Chelsea understands that concept even as Olivier Giroud, Pedro, and Willian see their contracts run down. The Blues have plans for each and it is on the player whether they join in or hop off now.
As of right now, Giroud seems the most likely to stay which is a sharp turnaround from what could have happened in January. By all accounts, Giroud was packed and ready to go to Inter Milan before the deal collapsed. Since then Tammy Abraham’s injury has allowed Giroud to showcase his value and the Blues are considering a new contract for the big Frenchman.
The main issue with Giroud is where he fits in going forward. With Abraham fit, Giroud will return to the bench. Striker is a low priority in the transfer market overall, especially if Giroud stays, but it is a position Chelsea can strengthen. If Giroud has another year in the tank then that is fine, but it will likely cost Chelsea pursuing a new striker in his stead.
The Willian and Pedro situations are more straight forward. Willian wants a three year deal to completely bury Chelsea’s old 30 year old contract rule (thanks David Luiz). He was offered two, which seems reasonable, but the Brazilian in uninterested. With Barcelona constantly (and somewhat strangely) linked, it seems more likely than not Willian will pack up his ball and go and try his luck as a free agent.
Pedro, meanwhile, is a casualty of age and Chelsea’s young and expanding winger corps. Pedro’s nonstop terrier mentality is great, but it does not age well. At best he would be offered a one year contract but Chelsea simply does not seem all that keen to even do that. Pedro will have a harder time as a free agent than Willian, but there will be clubs worldwide that would take a crack at him (cough Atlanta United should sign him cough).
Experience is needed going forward in the youth revolution, but ability on the field and reasonableness for the club still need to be present. Giroud offers both. Willian still has the ability, but a three year (even a two year) contract is unreasonable. And Pedro is starting to lack in both departments.
Chelsea can push forward without any of the three, but they will need to find that experience somewhere if all three are allowed to depart this summer or fall or whenever contracts end these days.