Chelsea players close to finalising 10 per cent wage cut

Unlike Arsenal, Chelsea's deal is not expected to include any incentives to earn any money lost further down the line

Chelsea are close to finalising a 10 per cent wage cut with their players following successful talks spearheaded by captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Frank Lampard's squad will become the second in the Premier League to accept cuts rather than deferrals but, unlike London rivals Arsenal - who have agreed 12.5 per cent cuts, but could claim the money back with performances on the pitch - Chelsea's deal is not expected to include any incentives to earn any money lost further down the line.

The agreement, set to last for four months, comes after the squad already made a generous donation to the club's charitable foundation in order to support their efforts in the fight against coronavirus in the local community.

The west Londoners, who have not furloughed any non-playing staff during the crisis, have an annual wage bill of £285million according to their most recent accounts.

Watford last night became the most recent club to announce a deferral agreement with their squad.

Hornets captain Troy Deeney leading discussions on behalf of the squad, who have accepted deferrals of at least 30 per cent for the duration of football's lockdown.

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