Willian appears to be heading for the exit at Chelsea after revealing the Blues will not offer him a new long-term contract. The Brazilian winger is seeking another three years on top of his current deal but the club are only ready to offer a two-year extension.
Willian has spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, making over 300 appearances across all competitions, but is a free agent at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old, who came on as a second-half substitute during the 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday, has now hinted that contract negotiations are at a stand-still.
Speaking to Esporte Interativo, Willian said: “It’s a difficult situation because Chelsea offered me two years and they are not going to change what they offered.
“I said I wanted three more years. The situation is difficult because of this.
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“I really don’t know if it will be possible [to stay]. My goal is to continue working and focus on the remainder of the season, so that Chelsea can continue winning games.
“I have a clear head and focused for the rest of the season that we have left. I think it’s difficult [to stay]. Let’s see what happens.”
Willian has won two Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge, while he also helped Chelsea lift the FA Cup in 2017/18 and secure Europa League glory last year.
The winger is still a key first-team player under Lampard this season, having made 35 appearances across all competitions, but has started just one of Chelsea’s past five matches.
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Willian has previously attracted attention from Barcelona, and the Catalan giants could renew their interest if negotiations continue to stall.
Any deal struck between Willian and the club could hinge on Champions League qualification, with the Blues currently fourth in the Premier League.
They travel to Bournemouth this weekend looking to build on last weekend’s 2-1 win over Tottenham.
That result ended a run of four league matches without a win, and Lampard fielded an unchanged side against Bayern.
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However, the 3-0 defeat means the Blues boss could be tempted to shuffle his squad against the Cherries so Willian will hope to earn a recall.
Chelsea’s chances of European success this year look slim, with a mountain to climb after their chastening first-leg defeat to the Bundesliga champions.
However, Lampard’s side have been boosted by the news that Robert Lewandowski is a major doubt for the return fixture after suffering a knee injury.
The Polish striker, who scored on Tuesday night, suffered a fracture of the tibia at the left knee joint and is set for four weeks on the sidelines.
Bayern confirmed that their star frontman will spend 10 days in a cast before commencing rehabilitation training.
The goalscoring burden will therefore fall upon Serge Gnabry following his brace at Stamford Bridge.
The former Arsenal youngster will be supported by veteran frontman Thomas Muller while Kinglsey Coman and Philippe Coutinho will also hope to start at the Allianz Arena.
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