Barcelona are reportedly weighing up the possibility of signing Willian from Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut.
According to a report in The Times, Willian has emerged as a shock target for Barcelona, who have turned their attention towards the Brazilian winger after they failed in their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho. The Catalan club are now set make an approach for the Chelsea star.
Willian joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2013, and the industrious winger has since established himself as one of the most integral figures at Stamford Bridge in the last four years, even winning the Blues’ 2015-16 Player of the Year award.
Willian was a bright spark in an otherwise dull 2016-17 campaign for him personally, as he played second fiddle to Pedro – the Brazilian managed to start just 15 Premier League games last season, although he did have a decent return of eight goals and two assists to show for his efforts.
Thus, it is looking likely that the Brazil international could seek pastures anew should an enticing offer come his way, with a few reports earlier this summer claiming that Chelsea were open to selling him as well. And the aforementioned prospect could take him to Camp Nou, with Barcelona reportedly showing an interest in signing him.
Chelsea are braced for another approach for Willian after Barcelona showed interest in the attacking midfielder https://t.co/JOW7rwwpV6 pic.twitter.com/SAEKGFrdfy
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) August 24, 2017
The Blaugrana have endured a frustrating transfer window thus far, having failed to land any of their top targets, with their misery being compounded after Neymar jumped ship to join PSG earlier this month. The Brazilian’s departure has seen frenzy grasp Nou Camp as the search for a replacement continues.
As per widespread reports, Barcelona have been keen on adding Philippe Coutinho as well as Ousmane Dembele to their squad this summer. But while the La Liga heavyweights look set to sign the Borussia Dortmund playmaker, Coutinho’s pursuit has run into troubled waters.
Liverpool have been defiant, rejecting the latest £136 million offer from Barcelona. Thus, the Catalan club have now turned their attention towards Coutinho’s compatriot, Willian.
The 29-year-old could prove to be an ideal signing for Barcelona as his pacy outlet could be an ideal foil for the goalscoring prowess of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi – much like how he successfully combined with Eden Hazard and Diego Costa at Chelsea – in addition to the playmaking abilities of Dembele.
However, with three years left on his current deal, the player could command a sizable fee, although it would be considerably less than what Barcelona were prepared to shell out for Coutinho. It now remains to be seen if they succeed in their pursuit of Willian, or if they turn their attention elsewhere at the eleventh hour.
