Chelsea manager admits Lampard and Cole could leave this summer

New Chelsea interim manager, Rafa Benitez, has admitted that Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole are likely to leave this summer, after failing to agree contract extensions.

When asked whether the experienced pair could leave, the Spaniard said: “I think so. I think that’s the case at the moment.”

Benitez added: “I don’t have all the information, but it’s not fair to tell me I’m only here for seven months and then expect me to have an influence at the club over the next two or three years.”

Both England international´s contracts are set to expire in the summer of 2013, and could start negotiating with foreign clubs in January if a new deal is not signed beforehand.

Frank Lampard signed for Chelsea from West Ham back in 2001, and has been been an integral part of the team ever since, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Champions League. The ever-consistent midfielder is expected to move to either the MLS or Chinese Super-League if no deal is met.

Ashley Cole signed for the club back in 2006 from Arsenal, after the famous tapping up scandal, and has so far won one Premier League title, four FA Cup´s and the Champions League with Chelsea. Cole has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with his mother suggesting a move to Paris was on the cards.

I’m not looking forward to losing either player, especially as Chelsea’s recent dip in form co-existed with the players missing from action with injuries. Both Players have been great servants for the club for many years and I wish them all the best, whether they stay or go.