Barcelona have opened talks with Chelsea star Willian regarding a potential move, according to France Football.
What’s the word?
The Spanish giants are believed to be on the hunt for a new creative player following the world-record sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho and Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele have been the main figures linked to the vacancy.
According to France Football, though, Willian is now the new target, and the Catalan giants have already opened dialogue.
It is believed that Barcelona are impressed by the Brazilian’s ability to play on either the left or the right wing.
Last season, Willian struggled for first-team action, starting just 15 Premier League games and coming off the bench in a further 19.
Two games into the current campaign, and the 29-year-old has played in both fixtures and created an assist in the Blues’ opening-day 3-2 defeat to Burnley.
Would Chelsea miss him?
Last season’s minutes suggest that Willian is not Antonio Conte’s first choice, but there is no denying the Brazilian’s ability.
He may have struggled to hold down a starting spot in the club’s title-winning campaign, but the winger still contributed with eight goals and two assists.
After allowing Nemanja Matic to join Manchester United, it will not do wonders for Chelsea’s reputation if they allow another first-team player to join a big club.
On top of that, the Blues will be competing in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season, so they need all the extra bodies that they can get for squad depth.
From Willian’s point of view, if he is assured regular first-team football and the chance to pick up where Neymar left off at the Camp Nou, then it would be difficult for him to ignore the allure.
