Barcelona ‘set to sign Willian on free transfer’ as Chelsea star snubs new contract

Posted Sunday, February 02, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk

Barcelona ‘set to sign Willian on free transfer’ as Chelsea star snubs new contract
Barcelona are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign Willian on a free transfer for next season Credit: Rex Features

BARCELONA are close to agreeing a deal to sign Willian on a free transfer for next season, according to Spanish reports.

The Brazilian has just half a season left on his current Stamford Bridge contract but is yet to agree an extension.

And Marca claim LaLiga champions Barca almost have a deal finalised to bring the 31-year-old to the Nou Camp this summer.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has urged the club to go all out and tie down Willian’s future, with the winger becoming a favourite for the new manager after Eden Hazard's departure to Real Madrid.

The Blues have already offered the forward a one-year extension, though the player is seeking a two-year deal and increase on his £110,000-a-week wages.

But Willian's representatives are also said to have met with Barca bosses "several times" to discuss terms over a free transfer at the end of the term.

The 31-year-old is represented by agency Sport Invest, who also work with his Brazilian team-mate Philippe Coutinho, who could join the Chelsea ace at the Camp Nou once finishing a loan with Bayern Munich.

Barca bid £50million for Willian in 2018 but saw their approach turned down.

To keep the forward the Blues will have to break their rule of only offering players over 30 a one-year extension.

Willian’s team-mate Pedro also has six months left on his deal, and Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho and Crystal Palace's Wilfred Zaha have been linked as replacements.

Lampard was calling out for a striker in the winter window, and was interested in Edison Cavani and Dries Mertens.

But the Blues boss left the January sales empty handed and goes into the summer with Olivier Giroud also set to walk out on the club for free.