Exclusive – Alvin Martin: Chelsea must give Frank Lampard a new contract

Former England star Alvin Martin believes that Chelsea should offer Frank Lampard a new contract.

The Blues have reportedly told the Three Lions midfielder that he is free to get himself a move away from the club in January.

But Martin feels that Lampard is still one of their best players and must be given an extended deal – whatever the cost.

“I think it’s a no-brainer,” he told the Weekend Sports Breakfast. “I just don’t see anyone really who is better at what he does for Chelsea.

“I would [keep him]. Chelsea aren’t worried about money. The only doubt they can have is that he’s 34 now, and is he going to be playing regularly when he’s 36? I don’t know that. Frank doesn’t know that. Nobody can actually determine that.

“What he will do, though, if he plays this year, which he’s shown even in [Chelsea’s 8-0 win over Aston Villa] he’s still got all the attributes that he had before, he will score goals and next year I think will happen.

“If you have to give him a two or three-year contract then maybe in the third year he isn’t playing a lot of games, I don’t think that matters for Chelsea. They can afford to do that.”