Chelsea transfer news: John Terry 'offered eye-watering deal by Gianfranco Zola' to join Qatari club

Chelsea captain John Terry has reportedly been offered a money-spinning move to the Middle East. The 35-year-old defender recently confirmed he is to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and Blues legend Gianfranco Zola has apparently been trying to negotiate a transfer for his ex-teammate to the Qatari club Al Arabi.

Zola – who is currently managing the cash-rich club – is confident his connections will ensure Terry makes the switch to the Middle East, rather than heading to China or America to play out the last few years of his trophy-laden career, according to The Mirror.

The former England captain would be reunited with a number of his former teammates if he decides to make the switch to America, where the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole are currently playing.

However, Chelsea have also suggested there is the possibility of them offering Terry a new contract before the end of the season. "John requested a meeting with the club the week before last," said a Chelsea spokesman, according to The Guardian.

"In that meeting he asked about the possibility of an extension to his existing contract. John was advised that while no new deal was on the table, that situation could change in the coming months. The club has the utmost respect for John and everything he has helped us achieve to date. He is a fantastic servant of Chelsea and a superb captain and, as such, the club will keep the channels of dialogue open."

Terry – who has made nearly 700 appearances for Chelsea – has already insisted he will not play for another team in the Premier League.