The versatile 23-year-old joined Chelsea from Birmingham City in 2018 and impressed in the right-back role during the latter stages of our 2020/21 campaign.

Previously the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year, Carter made 19 appearances for the Blues last season as Chelsea secured the FA Women’s Community Shield, Continental League Cup, and the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.

The No.7 played a major role in helping the Blues reach our first-ever Champions League final. It was Carter’s pin-point delivery that set up Pernille Harder for a crucial goal in our semi-final second leg victory against Bayern Munich.

Carter commented on her extension: ‘I’ve grown so much here at this club, both on and off the pitch. I’ve hit a point now where I know what is expected of me, I know what I need to bring to the table, and I feel like I’m in a position now where I’m finally starting to compete with some of the girls.

‘There is more that I can do here at Chelsea to help the team and I’m really excited to see what we can go on and achieve after this successful year.’

General manager Paul Green added: ‘We are delighted to extend Jess’s deal. She has really stepped up this season and found her stride. She came into the team at a crucial point in the season and showed an assurance and calmness that is needed at the business end of a season. Indeed, having some of her best performances during the latter stages our Champios League run.

‘We look forward to seeing Jess take it up another level next season.’

Carter is the fifth player to sign a contract extension in 2021, joining Sophie Ingle, Fran Kirby, Maren Mjelde and Carly Telford, while Dutch defender, Aniek Nouwen, will join up with the Blues in the summer.

Chelsea FC Women midfielder Jamie-Lee Napier will not return for the 2021/22 season.

Napier, who joined Chelsea from Hibernian Ladies during the 2019/20 season has left the club.

The 21-year-old made her debut in our 3-1 victory against Reading in January 2020 and went on to make a further three appearances for the Blues. To gain valuable playing time in the top flight of women’s football, Napier spent last season on loan at Birmingham City.

Emma Hayes said of the departing player: ‘Jamie’s a young player and will continue to improve with regular game time. She has a bright future ahead and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.’

Chelsea would like to thank Jamie for her service during her time with the club and wish her every success for the future.