Carlo Ancelotti is set to offer new contracts to Florent Malouda
and Alex as he shapes his Chelsea side for next season.
Malouda struggled after signing from Lyon for £13.5million in
2007, but has won over fans and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy in
the second half of the season.
CSKA Moscow star Yuri Zhirkov had been lined up to replace him
and today warned he would not be happy to sit on the Blues
bench.
Versatile Zhirkov, who tends to play left-back for Russia, said:
'Clearly we are talking about one of the best clubs in the world,
who regularly compete at the highest level.
'It is very possible I would say yes (to Chelsea). But before
that I would have to weigh up the pros and cons.
'To sit on the bench and only get on the pitch from time to time
doesn't interest me, not even at Chelsea.
'Moreover, I have nothing to lose (by staying in Moscow), given
that CSKA now have a very interesting team who will begin competing
in the Champions League in the autumn.'
Chelsea are understood to be close to an £18.6million deal for
the 25-year-old, but face competition from Bayern Munich.
Malouda has only 12 months of his deal left to run but is
expected to get a two-year extension with a pay rise from £50,000 a
week to around £65,000 a week.
'We will have a meeting at the beginning of June,' he told the
London Evening Standard.
'Both parties want to carry on.
'It’s a wonderful experience but just the beginning. I hope in
the next years you will see me win many, many trophies.
'When you play so many high-profile games you get the experience
and confidence that comes with it. I hope to share joy and
happiness with the fans.'
When asked if he is ready to compete with Zhirkov should he
arrive, Malouda added: 'Of course. It’s just the beginning because
with Ashley Cole on the left we have confidence so it gives us a
lot for the next years.'
Alex is also going to be rewarded for a number of
impressive displays this season with a three-year deal
that will see his salary increase to £60,000 a week. His current
contract expires next year but the new agreement will ensure the
defender remains at the club until 2013.
