Chelsea players are ready to accept a 10 per cent pay cut for the next four months as part of the club's preparations to deal with the financial fall-out from football's shutdown – but negotiations are ongoing with the club.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta is leading the players in talks with managing director Marina Granovskaia and discussions have remained amicable although a resolution is still some way off.
There had been suggestions of a 25 per cent pay cut and the Premier League collectively said that 30 per cent cuts might be necessary.
But Chelsea players, who have already made substantial contributions to Jordan Henderson's NHS campaign and to club charities, have resolved in team meetings to agree to limited cuts.
Several captains at other clubs have pointed out to their respective executives that Premier League clubs should not be experiencing cash flow issues at present though the players are well aware that the situation could deteriorate quickly in such an uncertain environment.
The Chelsea players have come up with the compromise agreement, which is similar to the deal that Arsenal players are negotiating, which will result in a 12.5 per cent cut. Southampton and West Ham players have already agreed to wage deferrals with Premier League clubs striking individual deals with their players.
Chelsea have been widely praised through the coronavirus crisis with the club offering free hotel rooms to hospital staff at St Mary's Paddington, Charing Cross Hospital and Hammersmith Hospital, as well as free meals to NHS staff and to charities supporting vulnerable people in the community
