Chelsea losing grip on Willian as London rivals wait to swoop

Chelsea are increasingly likely to lose Brazilian winger Willian on a free transfer, with Arsenal among the teams looking to snap up the 31-year-old this summer.

Willian is holding out for an offer of a three-year contract from Chelsea,

who have been unwilling to extend his deal by more than two years, despite Frank Lampard’s desire to keep him.

Willian’s agent had said he would make a decision following Saturday’s FA Cup final against Arsenal, which he missed through injury, but the winger is now expected to wait until after their Champions League match against Bayern Munich this Saturday.

Willian’s experience and technical quality would improve Mikel Arteta’s options in attack at Arsenal, who sealed qualification for next season’s Europa League by defeating Chelsea at Wembley.

A free transfer for a player of Willian’s quality appeals to Arsenal, whose finances remain under strain due to their absence from the Champions League and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It remains a financially complicated deal, though, with Arsenal already struggling to manage their hefty wage bill.

Arteta is hopeful that top-scorer Pierre-emerick Aubameyang will commit to a new deal worth around £250,000 per week, which would put even more pressure on club finances.

Kia Joorabchian, Willian’s agent, said last week that the Brazilian also had a “very big offer” from MLS, as well as two other options in European football. Joorabchian described Willian as being in a “great position”. Lampard said last weekend that he did not know what Willian’s decision would be. “It is his choice and I respect his choice,” Lampard said.

“He’s been a great servant for Chelsea. If he does decide to move on, then Chelsea moves on as well. We have to look forward ourselves.”

Chelsea trail Bayern 3-0 from the first leg of their last-16 tie, which was played at Stamford Bridge in February. The second leg will take place behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena.