Willian ‘wants to join’ Barcelona: reports

The Brazilian forward is heavily linked with a move to the Catalan club.

Willian has been a key part for Chelsea ever since his arrival at the club in 2013. He has appeared in over 160 league games, and won two Premier League titles, amongst many domestic and continental honours with the club. However, Spanish reports claim that the Brazilian now wants to leave the club.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Willian is interested in joining FC Barcelona. The Brazilian will turn 30 this August, and does not want to miss the opportunity of joining Barcelona. Willian’s contract with Chelsea expires in 2020.

Mundo Deportivo believes that Barca are also interested in bringing the Brazilian, as he “would easily fit into their style of play.” In the 2017-18 season with Chelsea, Willian scored 13 goals and made 12 assists.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have valued Willian at €80m. The Premier League club may lose their two star players in Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois this summer, and does not want to sell more players.

The forward is currently with Brazilian national team as they chase the World Cup in Russia. Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in their round-of-16 match yesterday, where Willian played a key role in their victory. The South American nation will meet Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Earlier, Barcelona reportedly received an offer for their Brazilian midfielder Paulinho from an unnamed European club. Mundo Deportivo also claims that the situation between Paulinho and Willian is interlinked, as Barcelona is still considering whether to trust the ‘specialist’ midfielder Paulinho, or go for Willian’s ‘versatility’.