Liverpool legend John Barnes admits that he is surprised Willian’s contract has been run down at Chelsea.
The 31-year-old has been with the Blues since 2013, however the 2019/20 campaign could be his last with his current deal running out this summer.
The Brazilian has been in discussion with the club for several weeks over a new deal, however no agreement has come and it is likely he will leave on a free transfer.
Willian is keen for a three-year deal, however Chelsea are only willing to give him a two-year extension.
And Barnes admits that he is surprised that the contract has been allowed to wind down.
“He’s a player who has done really well for Chelsea this year and for some reason his contract has been allowed to run down,” Barnes told BonusCodeBets.
“He’s 31, but he’s still fit, and he’s got great quality. He has the right attitude every time I've seen him play.”
Another player who is set to leave this summer if he does not get a new deal is Olivier Giroud.
The Frenchman had little in the way of action earlier in the season, but has shown his worth with the injury to Tammy Abraham.
And if the Blues do not strike a new deal with the striker, then he will be able to leave on a free as well.
“He’s a World Cup winner and he’s got experience,” Barnes added. “There may be better technical strikers than him, but he has value as a centre forward in terms of holding the ball up, scoring important goals and bringing people into play.”
Barnes was naming his best starting XI of players who are out of contract in the summer, which you can see above.
