The summer transfer window is officially up and running for a few months of drama, the unexpected and plenty of spending.
And it looks like it could be a busy summer of transfer activity at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal ready to make the necessary changes they need to make to ensure they are fighting for the top-four again next season after a below-par 2019/20 Premier League campaign.
Head coach Mikel Arteta is in need of bolstering some key areas in his squad, particularly in the centre of midfield and out wide, with the likes of Atletico Madrid midfield enforcer Thomas Partey and out-of-contract Chelsea star Willian being closely linked with moves to North London.
And over the past few days reports have started to gather pace about the prospect of Arsenal landing Willian this summer, with the winger, formerly of Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala, set to leave Stamford Bridge.
The winger was willing to stay with Frank Lampard’s side had they offered him a three-year deal, but that has not proven to be the case, with the Blues only willing to offer him the option of a new two-year contract.
Thus, it looks almost certain that the Brazil international will leave Stamford Bridge this summer and become a free agent, with Arsenal one of the clubs eager to land his signature.
Contract situation
Willian has a matter of weeks remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, meaning that he is free to talk to clubs in Europe about a move away from Chelsea for nothing in the summer.
Talks have been going on for some time overextending a deal, but nothing has been agreed, meaning that he could be available on a free-transfer should more progress not be made.
Tottenham interest
According to The Evening Standard, Tottenham is one of a number of clubs keeping an eye on Willian’s situation at Chelsea with a view of possibly making a move for the Brazilian.
The report claims that Jose Mourinho may be keen on a reunion with his former player, having managed him at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs, however, may have to fight off competition from AC Milan, Barcelona and Juventus should they wish to complete a deal for the Winger.
What the player has said
The player also sent a strong message at the end of last year as to where he sees his future.
“Everyone knows how I love this club and how I enjoy playing for Chelsea. If I can, I will stay here until I am 40 years old but football is not always like this,” he told Sky Sports.
“[I want to stay] because I like to play here. It’s not only my decision, but we also have to decide together with the club. We’ve had some conversations.
“I hope I can say to you guys that I will stay but now I cannot say.”
Contract stalemate
According to The Evening Standard, Chelsea and Willian have reached a stalemate in contract negotiations, with the Blues offering a one-year extension.
However, Willian is said to be looking for an extra year plus a pay rise.
The report claims that Chelsea may make a move for Jadon Sancho should a compromise not be found.
Juventus ‘considering’ summer move
Italian giants Juventus are the latest team to be linked with a move for Willian, with Maurizio Sarri’s side ‘monitoring his situation closely’ according to the Express.
The report also claims that Juve made an inquiry about Willian’s availability last summer, but the Brazilian was not keen on a move due to not being happy with working under Sarri at Stamford Bridge.
But with Sarri under increasing pressure at the Italian club, a move still could be possible.
Two Premier League offers
Willian has two offers from Premier League clubs, according to his agent Kia Joorabchian.
It seemed as though some progress had been made on contract talks between the player and Chelsea last month, but the length of the contract again seems to be the sticking point.
Talking to TalkSport before the end of the season, the player’s agent gave an update.
“He has two concrete offers from Premier League clubs on the table, he has an MLS offer on the table which is very big, and he’s got two other offers in Europe,” he said.
“So Willian is in a very good position and he is going to make his decision after the last game of the season.”
Lampard’s latest comments
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has said that he is keen for Willian to make a decision over his future.
The two parties have been locked in talks for some time, with it being revealed that a decision would be made after the FA Cup final.
However, with still no firm decision from Willian, Lampard is keen for the situation to be resolved quickly.
“I know the situation at the club’s end. I have a great relationship with Willian, but I don’t actually know what the decision is,” he said.
“If that happens over the next whatever days, as he said, then that would be good for me in either way.”
Willian rejects latest Chelsea offer and talks to Arsenal
According to Journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal is now in talks with Willian’s representatives to sign on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Chelsea is keen to keep a hold of the winger, but a disagreement over the contract length has seen the Brazilian reject the latest contract offer from the Blues.
