Barcelona are reportedly keeping tabs on Willian and are looking to get him on a free transfer this summer, with his Chelsea contract set to end in 2020.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Willian is back on the transfer wishlist for Barcelona. Instead of going outright at Chelsea with bids though, Barcelona are set to try the Juventus route, waiting patiently as Willian winds down his Chelsea contract.
Willian has less than a year remaining on his Chelsea deal and is yet to sign an extension. Frank Lampard is reportedly desperate for the Brazilian to commit his future to the club. But, there has been no developments or positive talks towards making it happen.
Instead, Barcelona are now keeping a close eye on whether Willian decides to sign a new contract before January, with the Brazilian eligible to talk to and sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from the winter transfer window. This could not only see Chelsea lose out on a starter and one of the more experienced members of the squad, but also on the possibility of cashing in on the winger.
Frank Lampard has revolutionized Chelsea in the few months he has been in charge. There have been a record number of youngsters playing in and out for the first-team, with focus on a exhilarating brand of football that has really caught the eyeballs in the Premier League.
But, one constant has been the presence of Willian. The Brazilian has maintained his role at Chelsea and perhaps, even strengthened it, with Lampard regarding the Brazilian as one of the key members of his setup. The player has also helped the Blues’ cause a few times already this season, chipping in with goals and scoring winners when needed.
Chelsea have Callum Hudson-Odoi back and with Christian Pulisic firing on all cylinders, Lampard would hope they would form the new-look youthful attack for Chelsea alongside Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham. But, Willian’s experience is invaluable to a squad as youthful as Chelsea’s.
Barcelona do not have a dearth of options in attack. But, there are rumours persisting that they want Neymar back and in order to do so, will likely offload Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann, if necessary. Bringing in Willian on a free transfer could short-term navigate the need for reinforcements in attack, if Dembele and Griezmann both head for the exit door.
Also, Willian has been on Barcelona’s wishlist for a while, with the Catalan giants having many bids reportedly rejected over several transfer windows in recent times. Everything will depend on Willian’s decision regarding his Chelsea contract. But, time is winding down and Barcelona’s chances are increasing with each passing day.
