Date published: Tuesday 28th July 2020 9:08
Chelsea winger Willian is likely to join London rivals Arsenal this summer on a free transfer, according to reports.
The winger is out of contract with the Blues with his short-term contract extension about to expire. So far, contract talks have repeatedly hit a stumbling block over the length of the deal to be offered.
Willian has been with Chelsea since 2013, but at the age of 31, his long-term future remains unclear. Reports have suggested he could move to a Premier League rival like Manchester United or Tottenham, or move elsewhere in Europe.
How we f***ed it: Revisiting F365’s pre-season predictions
However, The Guardian now claim that Frank Lampard ‘wants Willian to stay’ but the Brazilian’s chances of receiving an offer of a three-year contract ‘look slim’.
And ‘there is an expectation that he could end up joining Arsenal on a free’ if Chelsea fail to agree fresh terms.
Willian recently insisted that he would sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge “tomorrow” if they offered him the right length of contract.
Speaking to Ale Oliveira on YouTube, he said: “No, not for the time being. Chelsea aren’t jealous. They didn’t say anything. At least they showed no jealousy. They’re letting go [laughs].
“Just kidding. I already had a conversation with the club a few months ago, even before this stop. Chelsea only offer me two years and I asked for three.
“My goal in the next contract is to sign for three years. So I haven’t had a deal with Chelsea yet.
“This is what I asked the club for, three years of contract. If you give me that, I’ll get the pen and sign the contract tomorrow.”