After enduring a frustrating season, Brazil and Chelsea winger Willian has revealed his agent is in talks with the Blues over a new contract and says he hopes there will be “good news soon”.
The 31-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the season and he will be able to speak to foreign clubs about a free transfer in January. But the Brazilian has reiterated his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge where he has spent the last six-and-a-half years and won two Premier League titles. and hints an agreement between the parties is close.
Speaking to Yahoo Sport, William said: “I have stated several times my wish is to stay at Chelsea. “I like the club very much, I feel very welcomed here, as well as my family, and we love living in London.
“However, I’m in the middle of the season and I try not to think about it so as not to lose focus on the field. My agent and the club are talking and I hope we can have some good news soon.
“In transfer windows, it is normal to have bids and speculations, especially for players who are in the final contract. But my focus is 100% on Chelsea and the season.”
In the summer, Willian was the subject of bids from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. But he stayed at Stamford Bridge to win more trophies and has made 21 appearances under Frank Lampard this season.
Willian joined Chelsea from Russian side Anzhi in a £32m deal in 2013 and has gone on to make over 300 appearances for the Blues. He has also won the Europa League, an FA Cup, and a League Cup.
In a related development, Chelsea have made contact over a potential move for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, as they look to strengthen the void left by Eden Hazard. Palace has said that they won’t accept less than £80 million for the Ivory Coast forward and report says Blues are ready to pay a club-record fee of £80m for the 27-year-old.
