Chelsea news: Barcelona interest in Willian forces Blues to make key contract change

normally only offer one-year contract extensions to players when they turn 30.

Willian was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge over the summer, and he was the subject of three failed bids from Barcelona.

Ernesto Valverde is still looking to shore up his midfield in the wake of Andres Iniesta’s departure and he still has time to bring some fresh faces through the door with the Spanish transfer window closing on August 31.

Manchester United also coveted Willian’s signature, with Jose Mourinho eager to reunite with the winger, who he previously worked when he was in charge of the west London outfit.

And The Sun report the Blues have been impressed with Willian’s ‘high-energy football’ and his ‘commitment’.

It is said his loyalty has not gone unnoticed and he is in line for a two-year deal.

Willian, who has been with the Blues for five years, has less than two years left to run on his present contract which sees him take home around £120,000-a-week.

Last weekend, Willian admitted there would have been “no chance” he would have stayed at Stamford Bridge if Antonio Conte had remained in charge.

“No chance. No,” Willian said whether Conte would have influenced his decision to leave.

“I’m here because I want to play for Chelsea.

“I will only leave if Chelsea want me to go.”

Willian’s relationship with Conte became frayed last term and he erased his former manager from Instagram with cup emojis after his side’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester United last season.

However, things appear to be better under Sarri and he started in the 3-0 win over Huddersfield before he was replaced by Eden Hazard 24 minutes from time.

Chelsea turn their attentions to Arsenal, who they host next in the league on Saturday (5.30pm).


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