As the futures of Thibaut Courtois, 26, and Eden Hazard, 27, descend into the mire of the back pages, further concerns emerged with news that Barcelona want talks over Brazil international Willian, claims the Independent.
The 29-year-old midfielder is a central target for the Catalans and despite the appointment of Maurizio Sarri as head coach, it seems inevitable that the Brazilian’s time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end.
Willian fell from grace with Antonio Conte toward the end of last season and the arrival of Jorginho, 26, from Napoli, underlines the competition for places which Chelsea has in their squad.
The midfielder travelled with Brazil and started each game in their ill-fated 2018 World Cup finals campaign. Tite’s appreciation of Willian is greater than that of his club coaches it would seem.
If Philippe Coutinho, 25, acquiring a Portuguese passport, there is another non-EU space in the Barcelona squad. However, the problem could be solved by Yerry Mina’s reportedly imminent departure. The Colombia centre-back is wanted by Premier League club Everton, among others.
Ernesto Valverde is keen to strengthen his midfield after the disappointing end to last season’s Champions League campaign. Real Madrid’s supremacy in the tournament only rubs salt into the wound.
With Chelsea opening talks with Aleksandr Golovin, 22, the prospects of Willian’s departure are increasing.
