Gudjohnsen set to give Chelsea financial blues
The Iceland international, 23, arrived on a five-year contract from Bolton in summer 2000 but after setting the Premiership alight last season he is determined to cash in with a renegotiated big-money deal.
Gudjohnsen's representative Peter Harrison said he wants urgent talks with managing director Trevor Birch to substantially increase his client's pay packet for the remaining three years of his contract.
Amid reports of Blackburn's interest in the player, Harrison said: ''I had talks with Trevor Birch last week about renegotiating Eidur's contract.
''He's had two good seasons at Chelsea and I need to speak to Trevor again as Eidur should get a pay rise.
''I'm not putting a gun to their heads, but if he doesn't get a rise, we'll have to assess his situation. And I don't know if he'll get a rise as it's difficult for Chelsea financially.
''But I've got to look after my client. If he moves, it has to be the right move. I don't know if the stories about Blackburn are true or not.
''Eidur's proved he's a top-class striker and his performances have alerted English and foreign clubs.
''Different clubs in England are interested and I've been contacted by various clubs abroad, although there's not a lot of money about in Europe.''
Gudjohnsen's looming second salary meeting is the latest summer concern for Chelsea, whose close season has already been hit by revelations of a £97million debt and failed transfer swoops for Real Madrid duo Flavio Conceicao and Geremi.
And midfielder Sam Dalla Bona, who left Stamford Bridge for AC Milan in a £1million deal a fortnight ago, warned on Sunday his old club could "fall apart" due to money worries this season.
Harrison has now warned one of the true stars of last season's campaign could walk away from the club. He added: ''Eidur signed for five years when he came, on a good contract for a player who was leaving Bolton.
''But he's improved a lot and I believe he'll go on improving. He's only 23 and he's forged a great relationship with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.''
Blues chairman Ken Bates remained defiant yesterday, insisting the club will not be drawn on further developments. ''We are, as a matter of policy, refusing to make any comment as a club about the finances," he said.
