Chelsea’s move for Hakim Ziyech does not impact Willian’s future at the club with both parties still keen to come to a solution over the Brazilian’s contract situation.
The Blues announced on Thursday that a deal has been struck with Ajax to sign the Moroccan for an initial £33.3 million, which could rise to £36.7 million with bonuses.
But The Independent understands Ziyech’s impending arrival does not change plans to find an agreement over an extension for Willian, with there still being a willingness from both sides to get a deal done before the summer.
The 31-year-old’s contract expires in June, with the Blues famously reluctant to offer more than one-year extensions to players in their thirties, though the club has shown flexibility in recent years with the likes of David Luiz and Olivier Giroud.
Willian is said to be pushing for a three-year extension and both sides are optimistic a compromise can be found.
The Brazil international has been the source of recent interest from Juventus and Barcelona, as well as a number of other European clubs.
Willian arrived at Stamford Bridge seven years ago last month from Anzhi Makhachkala for £32m, and has since contributed 57 goals and 58 assists in 323 appearances.
Ziyech will boost Frank Lampard’s options in attack to support Tammy Abraham, with his ability to play from the right, as a No 10 or even slightly deeper in midfield.
With Pedro’s contract also set to expire and Ziyech’s versatility, retaining Willian remains important to Lampard ahead of his second season in charge, particularly given his vast experience compared to his teammates.
Should Willian stay, Lampard will have the Brazilian, Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi as natural wide players.
Mason Mount is another option out wide, while the Blues are exploring exercising their buy-back clause for former player Jeremie Boga, now thriving at Sassuolo in Serie A.
