Willian's contract runs out at the end of the season
According to ESPN, Chelsea winger Willian’s stay at Stamford Bridge is approaching a messy and bitter end.
The player has been left ‘hurt and offended’ by Chelsea’s approach to extending his contract. With talks having collapsed, he is nearing a move to arch-rivals Arsenal. (h/t ESPN)
Willian was keen on staying on at the Bridge if he was offered a three-year deal. Chelsea, however, were only willing to offer him a two-year extension. Being given a ‘take it or leave it’ offer by Marina Granovskaia appears to have hurt the sentiments of the Brazilian. (h/t ESPN)
The incident occurred before the league was suspended in March. Despite a three month hiatus before the matches resumed in June, there has been no progress on Willian’s contract. (h/t ESPN)
Chelsea’s refusal to meet his demands saw Arsenal swoop in and make an offer for the 31-year-old. According to a report by the Daily Mail, Willian will earn £100,000-a-week at the Emirates, should he complete the move.
All said and done, the complete package will cost Arsenal £20.8m in total. That is a significant outlay for a 31-year-old. Especially so given their decision to lay off 55 employees due to financial constraints. (h/t Daily Mail)
The report also goes on to add that the offer from the Gunners includes an option for a fourth year. This means the player could play at the Emirates until he is 36.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is keen to keep the player on at Stamford Bridge. Having joined in 2013, Willian has been a loyal servant to the club. He has made 339 appearances while scoring 63 goals and assisting 62 more.
The Brazilian too gave an account of what he can offer with one inspired performance after another since the restart. It is fair to say he played a key role in us finishing top four.
Chelsea’s approach has convinced the player’s entourage that they are not keen to keep him on, forcing him to look elsewhere. (h/t ESPN)
Willian is keen to remain in London due to his family having settled into the city. He is close friends with Arsenal centre-back David Luiz and looks set to be reunited in North London. (h/t Daily Mail)
To see a player of Willian’s service under a pallor of gloom is a sad moment for the club. We understand why Chelsea chose not to give in to his demands. However, the whole issue could have been dealt with better sensitivity.
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