CHELSEA might not be playing much football at the moment – but there is always drama down at Stamford Bridge.
Winger Pedro has confirmed he will leave the Blues, while Barcelona's Marc-Andre Ter Stegen could be their replacement for Kepa.
Follow all the latest updates and Chelsea gossip below…
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NO-GO-TIATIONS
Chelsea have temporarily ceased all contract talks as they wait to see if the coronavirus pandemic will force the season to finish after June 30.
Willian, Pedro, Olivier Giroud and Willy Caballero's current deals are all set to expire in the summer.
But if the season is to go on beyond the end of June, Premier League clubs would be allowed to hand out-of-contract stars temporary – potentially even week-by-week – deals.
The Telegraph report that Chelsea are monitoring the situation closely, and will not resume negotiations until there is more certainty over when they will next play.
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PED IN THE GAME
Pedro has moved to correct mistranslated interviews that claim the Spaniard is 'terminating' his Chelsea contract.
He told the club's website: “As many people know, my contract is up in May,’ he says, ‘but I still haven't spoken to the club about whether or not it will be renewed and whether I'll carry on.
“I've seen loads of messages from Chelsea fans saying goodbye and thanking me for the time I've spent here, which I appreciate, but I'd like to tell all the fans simply that my current contract is coming to an end but I still have to talk to the club.
“I don't know whether I'll keep playing here or not. That conversation is still to come. But I have not signed for any other club. I belong to Chelsea. I have a contract.
“My wish is to be able to stay here but obviously we don't know what will happen. I have to speak to the club and let's see what happens.”
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PED FOR THE HILLS
Chelsea winger Pedro has confirmed that he will leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires.
The Spaniard's future has long been in doubt, with boss Frank Lampard often opting to deploy younger options on the flank this season.
But while the coronavirus pandemic has given Pedro, 32, greater priorities than finding his next club, he knows for certain that his future lies away from West London.
He told Cadena Ser: “I’m terminating my contract, but right now it’s not the most important thing, nor have I stopped to think about it.
“The most important thing is for everyone to show solidarity. Whatever happens regarding my future will happen but right now is not important as we don't even know when we will return to training.
“We have been in quarantine because one of our players [Callum Hudson-Odoi] tested positive for coronavirus, he is now well and we are very happy for him.”
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RUUD PEOPLE
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is furious with people who ignore governnment guidelines on social distancing.
He told Kicker: “That is ignorant and irresponsible! If the recommendations to stay at home are not heard, there is no alternative to a curfeaw.
“There are apparently very many – too many – people who do not understand that they may not be personally more at risk, but very well may be to people around them.
“And then handle it lightly. It's just selfish.”
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NOT OVER YET
FIFA have brought in emergency measures which mean players out of contract will have to stay at their clubs until the end of the season – whenever that may be.
This means that a star such as Chelsea's Willian – out of contract in June and linked to Bayern Munich – will have to stay with the club if the campaign continues into July and beyond.
The Times report that world football's governing body's plan is in response to the coronavirus pandemic totally decimating the entire sporting calendar.
The Premier League was hopeful of returning on April 30 but that is virtually nailed on not to happen with the killer bug continuing to take lives.
Fifa's new rules are reportedly set to impact transfers that have already been agreed.
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