Barcelona are reportedly willing to include Andre Gomes, who is being tailed by Tottenham, as part of a deal to sign Willian from Chelsea.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Don Balon, Barcelona are willing to take any means necessary to sign Willian in this summer’s transfer window. The Blaugrana will attempt to persuade Chelsea to sell the Brazilian by including Andre Gomes – a transfer target for Tottenham – in a player-plus-cash deal.
Willian enjoyed his best ever campaign for Chelsea in the 2017-18 season, as he went on to establish himself as a regular in Antonio Conte’s squad. With 13 goals and 12 assists in 54 appearances, the Brazilian was one of the few standouts in an otherwise underwhelming season for the Blues.
But, the player didn’t back it up with a strong campaign at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with just a solitary assist in five outings for Brazil. Willian though, is highly sought-after in this summer’s transfer window. Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move. But, Barcelona are the clear front-runners in his pursuit.
In the current system that Ernesto Valverde employs, Ousmane Dembele is the only player who is capable of providing any width in midfield and the final third. But, the Frenchman is being linked with a move away from Barcelona, which worsens their predicament.
Even if Dembele ends up staying, there is a shortage of wingers in the squad. Willian’s arrival from Chelsea would thus, enable the Barcelona boss to bolster his attack considerably. The Brazilian will also provide Valverde an option if he decides to employ a 4-3-3, wherein Dembele could also start on the left flank.
However, Chelsea’s €80 million asking price has been deemed as prohibitive by Barcelona for a player who will soon turn 30. They are thus, looking to include a player they want to offload this summer in a bid to lower the transfer fee.
Barcelona will propose a player-plus-cash deal including Andre Gomes, hoping the asking price is lowered to around €60 million as a result. The possibility to land Gomes as part of the deal could appeal to Chelsea. With the Portuguese midfielder linked with Tottenham, the Blues could possible snatch a target from their rivals.
Gomes’s capture would enable Chelsea to bolster their midfield, which seems to be an objective for them summer, with Danny Drinkwater rumoured to be on the list of expendables at Stamford Bridge. The player’s driving runs from midfield could offer them a different dynamic.
What appears certain is that Barcelona are determined to sign Willian this summer. With the player believed to be eager to join Barcelona as well, the Blaugrana’s position is certainly strong. It now remains to be seen if Chelsea part ways with the Brazilian and get Gomes in return, or if they continue holding out for more money.
