Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
George Smith

What Willian's agent has said about his future amid Arsenal transfer links

No decisions concerning Chelsea winger Willian's future have yet been decided, as speculation about his future continues to mount. 

That is according to the Brazilian's agent, Kia Joorabchian, who has issued the very latest update on the future of his client.

The right-sided winger, who joined the Blues back in August 2013 from Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala for somewhere in the region of £30million, is out-of-contract at Stamford Bridge this summer and is not expected to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Arsenal Awards 2019/20 Winners

Willian, who has netted five goals in the Premier League this season, was wanting Chelsea to hand him a new three-year deal, but the Blues were only willing to entertain the option of a two-year offer, taking into account that the winger turns 32 in August.

With an exit from the West London club now almost certain, though his departure could be delayed amid the coronavirus crisis, which could see his contract briefly extended to help the Blues conclude the season, speculation is seriously mounting about who he could sign for next, with Arsenal understood to be amongst his suitors.

Gunners chief Mikel Arteta is keen to put his own stamp of authority on the squad he inherited from former Arsenal manager Unai Emery and it could be that Willian fits into his plans.

But according to Joorabchian, no decision has yet been made about Willian's future.

"We are not sure at the moment how football is going to finish in terms of the season," Joorabchian told talkSPORT. "We do know that there is a vote to try to get training back on on May 18, and from there on see if we can get some games back in mid June.

"We are not sure how FIFA and the Premier League will make decisions in terms of free agents and what happens when their contracts expire.

"There will have to be a lot of conversations, it’s not just Willian but I think all free agent players are in an awkward situation because ‘do you sign a new contract, do you sign for a month, or even a longer period’.

"That will be something that will play itself out closer to the time."

Ever since it emerged that Willian is almost certain to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, a whole host of clubs have been linked with signing the Brazil international, including Serie A giants Juventus.

However, even though Willian has confirmed he would be open to staying in Europe, staying in England is his main preference.

"My wish is to stay in the Premier League, but I'm not ruling out playing in other leagues," Willian told ESPN Brazil back in March.

"I'm going to play until the end of the season and then see what happens. I'm very used to life in England.

"I'm not thinking about going back to Corinthians at the moment. My aim is to stay in Europe."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.