Chelsea are in talks with Willian over extending the winger’s contract at the club as they look to fend off interest from Barcelona, according to reports.
The 31-year-old – one of the oldest players in Frank Lampard‘s thriving young team – is well into the final year of his current deal at Stamford Bridge and due to his age, he is free to discuss with other clubs from January onwards.
The Brazilian, who has been linked with a move to Juventus in recent weeks, has previously added that he is not thinking about a return to his homeland any time soon.
According to Goal, however, Spanish giants Barca are interested in his services and due to his contractual situation, they are monitoring developments closely.
The source says that following a proposed move to the Camp Nou breaking down in 2018, Barcelona’s representative in Brazil, Andre Cury, and the club’s sporting director Eric Abidal, have a solid relationship with Willian‘s entourage that they can use to tempt the player into a move.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are said to be trying to deflect the possibility of such a deal going through by opening talks with Willian over a new deal in West London.
It is claimed that the length of the contract offered to the player will be crucial, with Chelsea – with the recent exceptions of Olivier Giroud and David Luiz – tend to offer players above 30 rolling one-year exceptions.
Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday when they play champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Read more: Chelsea join Liverpool in hunt for midfield star as Lampard stance revealed
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