Is Nicolas Anelka right about Chelsea?

Nicolas Anelka fell out with Andre Villas-Boas so quickly last season his contract was cut short and he was allowed to leave the club even before the January transfer window opened.

Even for 'Le Sulk' it was a new record. And now he has had his say on Chelsea's stance on Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard's contract situations.

Both players want deals of two years or more, but reports last week suggested they will be offered just 12 month extensions on their expiring contracts.

Anelka said: "When you reach 30 at Chelsea, you feel like you're too old. It's sad. It's like: 'We don't need you, get lost.'

So is he right? Is it sad? From a sentimental perspective certainly, given what both have contributed to the club.

In our view, Chelsea should offer two year deals to both players. While the current direction of Chelsea is to place the faith in youngsters, successful squads need a balance with experienced players.

Neither Lampard or Cole are over the hill just yet, and have a part to play whether they will be first choice in the future or not.

Lampard finds himself battling for position in an increasingly competitive midfield, and Cole has the challenge of young left-back Ryan Bertrand to deal with.

If Chelsea feel they are good enough to warrant 12 month deals, who is to say they will be ready to move them on next summer? They clearly don't want to lose either just yet, so should just offer the pair what they want.

The club can clearly afford it, and both Lampard and Cole through the years should have built up enough goodwill to earn two-year deals, at 34 and 31 respectively, especially when they look up to Old Trafford and see Paul Scholes orchestrating games at 37.

If they are forced out because Chelsea don't give them the deals they want, then Anelka is right, it will be sad.

What's your view? Should Chelsea give Cole and Lampard two-year deals?

image: © Andrea Sartorati