La Liga giants make approach for Chelsea contract rebel

Atletico Madrid have joined the race to sign Willian from Chelsea after he hit an impasse in contract talks, according to reports.

The winger is out of contract at the end of the season, leading to speculation he could leave on a free transfer.

A move across London to rivals Tottenham Hotspur has been suggested, with the player making no secret of his admiration of his former boss Jose Mourinho.

And Willian himself only added fuel to the fire when he revealed that he was not satisfied with the offer of a contract extension that Chelsea have put on the table.

“Chelsea offered me two years, and they are not going to change what they offered,” Willian told Esporte Interativo after Chelsea’s defeat by Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

“I said I wanted three more years. The situation is difficult because of this, I really don’t know if it will be possible.

“My goal is to continue working and focus on this remainder of the season, so that Chelsea can continue winning the games for the remainder of the season.

“I have a clear head and focused for the rest of the season that we have left.”

However, it has now emerged that Tottenham are not the only side interested in snapping Willian up if he does leave Chelsea, as Tuttomercatoweb claim that Atletico Madrid are lining up an offer.

 

Thomas Lemar has failed to live up to expectations since joining from Monaco in 2018, failing to score this season, and it is claimed that Atletico believe Willian would be the ideal upgrade.

The Spanish club are said to have already contacted Willian’s entourage to inform them of the contract offer they wish to present.

Lokomotiv Moscow are also believed to be interested in Willian, although Atletico appears to be the easier route at present.