Luciano Omar Vela has made three first-team appearances so far this season, but is only eligible for the bench.

The 28-year-old former Barcelona midfielder is under contract until June 2018 and will be eligible for a new deal in time for the summer transfer window to open.

But when asked whether he’ll be granted permission for an extended stay, the Colombian replied: “[I don’t think] for now. What I am thinking about is my future.”

Vela is in the midst of an impressive start to life in the Premier League. The former Atletico Madrid man has made one start, both in the league and Cup this season and it’s a huge improvement on his first two seasons in the English top-flight.

He has two assists and is a key man for Atletico. The Spanish side went undefeated in 2017 and will be looking to take that record into the Champions League knockout rounds next month.

When asked about the potential of joining Barcelona this summer, the centre-back told reporters: “I don’t have any particular interest at Barcelona any more. I have already spoken to the club and I have my future.”

Elsewhere in the squad, forward Mauro Icardi has scored once in the entire Premier League campaign and the Argentine is likely to stay.

It was the 32-year-old’s goal for Real Sociedad in Sunday’s 5-0 win over Valladolid that ensured the La Liga team’s place in the Europa League qualification round. Despite making a couple of appearances for Argentina over the years, the former Atletico Madrid star is in La Liga and will play in any clash against the likes of AC Milan or Atlético Madrid. If he can find goals more frequently, there’s no doubting that he’ll continue in the side next season.

Chelsea will have at least one striker available after announcing Diego Costa for the season. Antonio Conte said: “We are going to play with two strikers and Diego Costa and Frank Lampard are going to play as well.”

Ahead of the transfer window this summer it was reported that Iago Aspas and Diego Costa were looking at alternative options. The former Spain international was linked with a return to Liverpool while the latter was believed to be open to a move to Serie A. Both players would be key to the squad moving forward if they are to secure themselves a regular place in Jose Mourinho’ starting XI.