Brazilian winger Willian, who has been linked with a move away from Chelsea in the upcoming January transfer window, is a shock target for Manchester United.
According to an exclusive report from British publication Express, Willian may be set to become a third Chelsea player in the recent times to switch loyalties to Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho eyeing a move for the Brazilian winger in the upcoming January transfer window.
Willian arrived in the Premier League amidst controversy as the Brazilian was reportedly set for a medical at Tottenham but instead joined Chelsea as the Blues hijacked their rivals’ bid. The winger has since established himself as one of the regulars at Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Conte’s arrival though, seems to have changed his status within the first-team squad at Chelsea. Now forced to play a bit-part role, Willian has been rumoured to be looking to move away from the club, a prospect the Blues seem to be more than happy to oblige, with Chelsea also scouting several wingers in the recent past.
CalcioMercato | #Chelsea are preparing to offload Willian in January to AC Milan and are considering Lucas Moura as his replacement. #CFC pic.twitter.com/zD7OI4pOne
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) November 17, 2017
And he could be up for a shock reunion with his former boss Jose Mourinho, who used the player as one of the focal points during his tenure at the Bridge. Now manager of Manchester United, the Portuguese is seeking an addition to his wide attacking options and Willian has emerged as a target.
The rumour does make sense for the fact that the player is someone Mourinho trusts and is someone who has previous experience of working under the manager, which would see him fit in well and quick into the manager’s tactics.
According to the report, Chelsea are already looking at the prospect of bringing Lucas Moura, who is younger and would provide much more years to the side compared to his compatriot, to Stamford Bridge and are prepared to offload Willian in order to achieve their goal.
One dubious thing mentioned in the report is that the reason cited for Mourinho’s pursuit of Willian is his lack of faith in the ability of Anthony Martial to put in consistent displays, something that he has been doing this season. While this part of the report might be questionable, Mourinho’s pursuit of Willian could just end up bearing fruit.
Willian needs game time with the World Cup looming large and Mourinho would be able to strengthen his options to aid his Premier League challenge.
