Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has sent out a message to the west London club regarding a new contract, reports The Mirror’s John Cross.

The Lowdown: Silva’s contract

Having joined the club in 2020 on a free transfer, the 38-year-old most recently signed an extension with the Blues in January, which will keep him at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season.

Despite his age, the Brazil international has played every fixture possible, bar one, thus far this season.

However, with January just around the corner, Silva is seeking clarification over his contract situation.

The Latest: Silva’s comments

Cross has provided an update on Silva’s contract situation at Chelsea, sharing the defender’s most recent comments regarding his future plans.

Taking to Twitter, The Mirror journalist revealed: “Thiago Silva has told Chelsea they are approaching crunch time in talks about a new contract.”

In the attached Mirror article, the Brazilian is quoted having said:

“For sure, there will be a time when we need to talk, it could be before the World Cup or after the World Cup because I need to know whether I will have a new contract with Chelsea for my family arrangements.

“If I don’t have a new contract, I will have to decide what to do. For my family it's an important decision. We will see what happens.”

The Verdict: Crucial

Blues legend John Terry has been full of praise for the 38-year-old, having claimed he would have loved to have partnered the ‘unbelievable’ defender in a back-line at Stamford Bridge.

Thus far this season, Silva has been ranked as Chelsea’s best player in the Premier League, having averaged an impressive 7.41 match rating across the 2022/23 campaign (via SofaScore).

This would indicate the former PSG man is showing no signs of slowing down, despite coming towards the endgame of his playing career at the top level.

Therefore, if Silva is willing to stay for another season, Chelsea should have no issues giving him a new deal at the club.