Chelsea fighting to prevent Willian leaving

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is in something of a quandary regarding one of his key players of the season, the Brazilian winger/midfielder, Willian Borges da Silva, otherwise known simply as Willian.

The player’s contract with Chelsea FC expires at the end of this season, which is almost upon us. He has been offered a new two-year deal. However, the forward is seeking a three-year arrangement. At this point, the player and club have arrived at an impasse.

As things stand, Willian is looking to leave Stamford Bridge, and his name has been linked with London rivals, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, with Manchester United rumoured to be interested, as are the MLS in the US.

The approach from the MLS was dependent on him moving on July 1. But as Willian can leave only after the Pensioners have completed their second leg, last sixteen, Champions League tie against Bayern Munich on August 8, that move is no unlikely.

Bayern lead 3-0 thanks to goals in the first tie at Stamford Bridge, two of which were scored by Serge Gmabry, with Robert Lewandovski providing the third. With Bayern’s current form and the second leg being played at the Allianz Arena, the Londoners are unlikely to remain in the competition. But stranger things have happened.

31-year-old Willian has had an excellent season with Chelsea. Tammy Abraham is the club’s top goalscorer with 17 goals, and Willian is second with 11 goals. But whereas Abraham has got four assists, Willian has 9 to his credit – more than any other Chelsea player.

In a survey of FA Cup top goal scorers taken at the fifth round of the competition, Willian was equal sixth with ten goals. His influence at Chelsea football club is clear to see.

At the time of writing, Chelsea are due to play Arsenal in the FA Cup at Wembley. With Arsenal currently reportedly in pole position for acquiring Willian’s services next season, it gives Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, something of a headache.

Barcelona are also said to be interested in the Chelsea man, but at this stage, the 31-year-old has said he would prefer to stay at Stamford Bridge, subject to the club agreeing on a three-year deal.

The latest news on the Willian transfer front is that the Brazilian, who signed an extension to his current contract in order to play out the rest of season which was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is that he will leave the decision on leaving Chelsea until after the FA Cup final.

Chelsea, for their part, are also said to be hopeful of signing Bayer Leverkusen star midfielder, Kai Havertz. According to reports, the 21-year-old is unhappy following Leverkusen’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League tournament.

Chelsea’s Marina Granovskaia has been working hard behind the scenes and has apparently come to an agreement with the Bundesliga club on the fee, which may also include add-ons.