In a previous time, not that long ago, Chelsea used to see their elder players like FIFA's player ratings did. Once somebody hit that crucial 30-year-old mark, the value would depreciate, the contract strings would tighten, and in their eyes, the pace and all ability would lower on an exponential downfall.
Chelsea really did take serious time to think about offering anyone over 30 more than a one-year extension. In some cases this worked, it stopped them being committed to an ageing and tiring Willian, who went on to prove the decision correct, and it allowed them a way out of David Luiz in similar fashion. It isn't without thinking that these choices were made, but it does seem archaic now.
As a rule though, it seemed to hinder their progress. Not spending £30m on Edin Dzeko when the need for a striker arose in 2018, even on a short term deal, was strange. He was only just 30 and had scored 29 goals the year before, maybe if he was 29 then the deal would have gone through.
