Chelsea transfers: I don’t know if Lampard will stay, says Benítez

Rafael Benítez admits he does not know if Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will sign a new contract with the west Londoners.

The Spaniard recently admitted that both Lampard, 34, and defender Ashley Cole, 31, look set to leave Stamford Bridge when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Lampard has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer, while Arsenal have also been touted as a potential destination for the midfielder.

But the new Chelsea interim boss insists the future of the England international, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury, has still not been decided.

“When I was asked the other day, maybe it was a misunderstanding or maybe my English was not good enough, but the situation I know is that they are finishing their contracts [in the summer]. Past that, I do not know,” Benítez said.

“I know that Frank is happy here and he is a player that is part of the leadership, he is one of the important players, but I do not know about his future.

“So I cannot say yes or no, he will stay or he will leave, in January or even at the end of the season.At this moment, I do not know.”