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Willian has dropped the biggest hint yet that he could leave Chelsea in the summer after revealing talks over a new deal have stalled, with the club unwilling to match his desire for a three-year extension.
The Brazilian’s current contract runs out at the end of the season, while a number of sides have been linked with the soon-to-be unattached forward as he nears the end of his seventh season at Stamford Bridge.
Interest from Barcelona in Willian has seemingly been around since the dawn of time, and some recent reports follow that theme, suggesting that the reigning Spanish champions could snap up the 31-year-old when he becomes a free agent in June.
There have also been reports of AC Milan, Juventus and Tottenham keeping a watchful eye on Willian – who recently spoke of his love for London and admiration for Jose Mourinho.
“Chelsea offered me two years, and they are not going to change what they offered,” Willian told Brazilian channel Esporte Interativo.
“I said I wanted three more years. The situation is difficult because of this, I really don’t know if it will be possible. My goal is to continue working and focus on the rest of the season, so that Chelsea can continue winning games. I have a clear head and am focused.”
Given Chelsea’s regular policy of only offering one-year contract extensions to players over the age of 30, it shows Frank Lampard’s faith in Willian that the club have been willing to adapt their rules for the Brazilian.
Having made over 300 appearances for the Blues since arriving from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013, the club have clearly seen it fit to bend the rules somewhat, yet, as it stands, their offer doesn’t match Willian’s and a move away during the summer looks increasingly likely.
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