The Brazilian looks set to leave after seven years at Stamford Bridge.
Willian has turned down an offer from Chelsea to extend his contract and has begun talks with Arsenal, who want to sign the winger on a free transfer this summer.
According to reputable football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea made Willian an offer to extend his contract for another three years, but the 31-year-old is set on moving on from Chelsea after seven years at the club. Arsenal are understood to be in negotiations with the player’s representatives. Barcelona are also thought to be interested in the player but have not yet made contact.
Willian has refused another bid from Chelsea to extend his contract until June 2022. Still no agreement. Arsenal are now in talks with his representatives to sign him as a free agent – no bids from Barcelona at the moment. 🇧🇷 #AFC #CFC #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2020
Willian made 47 appearances for Chelsea this season but next season, the Blues will be a different beast. With Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner already having arrived and German wonderkid Kai Havertz pushing for a move to the Bridge, Willian will fall further down the pecking order, with Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic already ahead of him in the forward positions.
Arsenal are in need of attacking depth and while Willian might not slot straight into their starting line-up, he will get more games for the Gunners, with his versatility a key attribute, allowing him to fill in for Pepe on the right or Aubameyang on the left.
Arsenal’s FA Cup victory on Saturday saw them qualify for the Europa League, so Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will want to rotate his squad as much as possible with a gruelling schedule of Thursday-Sunday matches on the horizon.
