Manchester United have reportedly launched an audacious attempt to sign Chelsea superstar Willian on deadline day.
According to The Sun, Manchester United fans may yet see an arrival on deadline day, despite reports of Jose Mourinho being happy with his current squad. The Portuguese has reportedly launched an audacious deadline day swoop for Chelsea superstar Willian.
Willian has become almost an after-thought in Antonio Conte’s side, despite being an integral member of the squad upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge from Anzhi in the summer of 2013 on deadline day as the Blues hijacked Tottenham’s move for the Brazilian in a sensational move.
And, after a relative downturn in terms of game-time in the 2016-17 campaign – the player featured for just 1529 minutes in the Premier League at an average of around 45 minutes for every game he appeared in – the player has played 258 minutes in just 3 Premier League games so far this season.
But, it is touted that the increase in game time afforded by Antonio Conte is more due to a lack of options available at the disposal of the Italian boss. Willian had been linked to a reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho at Manchester United since last summer.
After making a mistake selling Matic to United, I can’t see Chelsea doing the same with Willian. Surely not?! https://t.co/tN8T4nebRQ
— Dale O’Donnell (@ODonnellDale) August 31, 2017
The rumours did resurface this summer but had since taken a backseat, mainly due to Mourinho prioritising a move for Ivan Perisic and Gareth Bale in Willian’s stead. But, having all but conceded defeat in the pursuit of the two wingers, the Brazilian is back again on United’s radar.
Mourinho is considering a deadline day move for the Brazilian and has already launched a last-gasp bid to bring the player over to Old Trafford. The Portuguese already has two players from his time at Chelsea at his disposal – Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic – and Willian could soon join the Serbian as the second Chelsea player to join United this summer.
The player is likely to cost United somewhere around £35 million – less than what they would have to shell out for Ivan Perisic, despite Willian having bags of Premier League experience and history of playing under Jose Mourinho, which would see him settle in quickly.
It remains to be seen whether Conte does consider selling the Brazilian, especially with a lack of reinforcements arriving at Stamford Bridge.