Chelsea reopen contract talks with key star as he turns down China move

Chelsea reopen contract talks with Willian

According to a report from Goal.com (h/t Daily Mail), Chelsea have reopened negotiations over a new contract with star winger Willian after he rejected advances from an unnamed Chinese club.

Willian’s contract with the club was up at the end of the last month. While he did agree a short-term extension to see out the elongated 2019/20 season, his long-term future remains uncertain.

Manager Frank Lampard had claimed that the club is keen on holding on to him and are still trying to negotiate a new contract with the Brazilian. (h/t Mirror)

“I haven’t given up hope on it. The club are still in discussions with him. We want him to stay but I also appreciate the fact this contract for Willian is a big deal because of his age.”

As per the report, Willian had been offered a deal by an unnamed Chinese club, which he has rejected outright. And Chelsea are stepping up on the efforts to tie him down a new deal. (h/t Daily Mail)

However, the club are only prepared to hand him a two-year deal only. This had been the bone of contention in earlier negotiations with the 31-year-old demanding a three-year deal, which the club weren’t willing to meet. (h/t Daily Mail)

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Willian has been with Chelsea since 2013, having signed from Russian club Anzhi Makachkhala. He has been an exceptional player for us, in spite of having had some lows over the past seven years.

Willian has once again been a key player under Lampard this season. And securing his services for another couple of years would do the club a world of good.