Chelsea transfer news: Willian to be offered new deal to prevent Blues exodus - reports

The Blues have never missed out on Europe’s top tier competition under owner Roman Abramovich

Samuel Stevens
Tuesday 23 February 2016 12:11 GMT
Comments
(2016 Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chelsea have reportedly offered Willian a four-year contract on £120,000-a-week as they look to prevent an exodus in the summer with the club unlikely to qualify for the Champions League.

The Blues have never missed out on Europe’s top tier competition under owner Roman Abramovich but are marooned in the bottom half of the Premier League and 2-1 down in their two-legged round-of-16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

It is reported by the Times that Chelsea expect offers for Willian, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Diego Costa if they do indeed fail to qualify for Europe.

PSG, Juventus and Bayern Munich are thought to be among the suitors preparing offers for Willian, a shining light in their dim season, after expressing an interest in the past.

The 27-year-old joined in 2013 from Anzhi Makhachkala for £30m, rejecting moves to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, and has been a consistent and reliable figure in interim manager Guus Hiddink’s squad.

It is assumed the outcome of Chelsea’s prolonged search for a long-term successor to Jose Mourinho may have an influence over Willian’s final decision.

Meanwhile, Hazard is reportedly happy to stay with Chelsea next season unless Real Madrid come in for the Belgium international.

Despite the 25-year-old’s struggles at Stamford Bridge this term, Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has showered Hazard with praise in the media since replacing Rafael Benítez at the Santiago Bernabéu in January.

According to the Daily Telegraph, last season’s Player of the Year would only be prepared to leave Chelsea if Madrid are the suitors.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in