Frank Lampard wants to end his career at Chelsea, while the Blues are threatening to pull out of potential deals for Edinson Cavani and Hulk after being left frustrated with the demands posed by the players and their clubs.
According to the Daily Mail, Cavani is asking for a salary on par with the rest of the highest-earning members of the club, believed to be £150,000 per week ($235,000). Along with the massive wages, Cavani would also cost the European champions £35 million ($55 million) in transfer fees, leaving Chelsea vulnerable to the Financial Fair Play structure.
A deal for Hulk, who has been linked with the club the entire summer, is also hanging in the balance with Chelsea refusing to meet Porto's transfer demands. Unless the Portuguese champions come down from their reported £40 million ($62.6 million) asking price, the Blues will look for other options.
Chelsea have an advantage though, with Hulk keen on making a move to Stamford Bridge, and with the striker ending his engagements for Brazil at the London Olympics, a clearer picture is expected to emerge within a few days.
Meanwhile, Lampard has admitted he wants to finish his already illustrious club career at Chelsea. Speaking to reporters ahead of England's friendly against Italy, Lampard, who has only a year remaining on his current deal, said while there haven't been talks yet over a new contract, he is hopeful of committing his future to the club soon.
"We spoke once last season and it was a case of coming back -- and it hasn't come back from their end," the 34-year-old told reporters. "I don't know (what will happen). At the minute I'm just playing. I'd like to sit down and speak with them. But at the minute I'm playing and it's up to the club to do that."
"I would like to end my career there. I feel I can play at the top level for a good few more years, but it's whether the club feels the same.
"I know there are a lot of changes at Chelsea. I'd love to be involved, and the youth coming into the squad this year has really freshened up our team.
"I'd love to carry on but it's a club decision to come and sit down with me. They used to sit down with me three years before the end of my contract! Now I'm waiting.
Lampard admitted players over 30 were treated differently, but said he still has all the ambition to continue playing at the highest level.
"People do look at you differently when you get the other side of thirty. That's natural. I don't mind that at all.
"I want to keep myself as fit as possible, to live right, and keep my edge so I know I can keep competing at the top.
"That's what drives me on. If I don't feel I can do it, I wouldn't be happy playing football anyway."
