Chelsea assistant boss Steve Clarke has admitted they fear losing Lassana Diarra to rivals Arsenal.As revealed by skysports.com last month, Diarra is seeking a move away from Chelsea and has his heart set on a switch to Arsenal.
The French international is unhappy with his lack of first-team action at Chelsea and is believed to have informed the club he wants to move on.
However, Clarke does not want to see the versatile star leave and has moved to try and reassure him he will get more first-team opportunities this season.
Concern"Lassana came in last season and started nine or 10 games and that is good going for a young player at a club like Chelsea," Clarke told The Sun.
"Last January he came to me and spoke about his need to get more playing time. After that, he came in to the team and did very well.
"But we don't want to lose players to one of our rivals.
"Last year William Gallas joined Arsenal, but that was because we were getting Ashley Cole in the deal."
New dealMeanwhile, Claude Makelele is reported to have agreed a new one-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
The Frenchman's future has been the subject of intense speculation all summer with a number of clubs thought to be keen on signing him.
Makelele was originally holding out for a two-year deal, but the experienced midfielder is believed to have agreed a compromise of a 12-month extension.
Clarke insists the defensive midfielder still has a big part to play in Jose Mourinho's plans.
"I never once heard Maka say he wanted to go," added Clarke.
"He's been a great player for us and has an important part to play here."