Willian stays true to Blues
WILLIAN has told Chelsea he is ready to snub Barcelona and sign a new contract.
The Brazilian’s superb goal got Maurizio Sarri’s team out of a hole at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, as they struggled to overcome Newcastle.
Chelsea turned down a £50million bid for the forward from Barcelona on Thursday. The deal would have seen £38m winger Malcom come to London in exchange.
Barca are expected to come in with another bid but Willian, 30, has pledged his future to the club. “My future is here,” he said. “I have one and a half years left on my contract and I want to stay until it is finished.
“Of course I would like a new contract. If they want it, I want it. I have been here for five and a half years and won a lot of titles. I am very happy here.”
Chelsea got off to a great start as Pedro
CHELSEA NEWCASTLE
scored in the ninth minute, but Chelsea then allowed Ciaran Clark to equalise. But after the break Eden Hazard set up Willian, who curled a lovely shot into the far corner.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has told owner Mike Ashley he needs forwards. “The final third is where we have to spend the money,” said Benitez.
“The big clubs are paying £40m or £50m for players who make the difference.”
Arrizabalaga 7; Azpilicueta 6, Rudiger 7, Luiz 7, Alonso 6; Kante 7, Jorginho 5, Kovacic 7 (Barkley 63, 6); Willian 8, Hazard 7 (Giroud 87), Pedro 7 (Hudson-Odoi 81). Jorginho. Pedro 9, Willian 57. Arsenal (a),
Sat PL.
Goals: NEXT UP: NEWCASTLE (5-4-1):
Dubravka 6; Yedlin 6 (Manquillo 82), Lejeune 6, Lascelles 7, Clark 6, Ritchie 6; Perez 7 (Murphy 82), Hayden 6, Longstaff 6, Atsu 7; Rondon 6. Ritchie.
Clark 40. Blackburn (a), FAC tomorrow.
C Kavanagh (Manchester).
Goal: Referee: CHELSEA (4-3-3): Booked: Booked: NEXT UP: