Fresh Chelsea blow as winger’s contract talks deemed ‘dead in the water’

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Chelsea appear increasingly unlikely to be able to convince Brazilian winger Willian to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge after the latest report described contract talks as ‘dead in the water.’

The 31-year-old is in his seventh season with the Blues, and has been a capable and consistent performer throughout his time in the Premier League.

The pacey forward’s contract with the club expires next month, and despite a willingness on both sides to thrash out a new deal, an impasse has materialised.

Due to the player’s age, Chelsea are reportedly only willing to offer a two-year extension, one year less than what Willian desires.

The two-time Premier League winner is settled in London, leading to speculation that a cross-town switch to rivals Tottenham or Arsenal could be possible if a Chelsea stay is deemed unworkable.

That scenario now appears to be increasingly likely, with online publication Football London describing Willian’s contract situation with Chelsea as ‘dead in the water.’

The article puts weight behind the narrative of a move within the capital, stating that there ‘doesn’t seem to be any reason why he wouldn’t move across London.’

Former boss and current Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is stated to be a fan of the forward, with the player himself reaffirming his good relationship with the Portuguese firebrand earlier this month.

Arsenal are also reported to be keen on the veteran.

 

Meanwhile, Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic has revealed the rather strange details of his first meeting with his fellow Blues players.

The American, 21, arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer after previously signing on the dotted line for a fee of around £58m in the transfer window prior.

Despite brief glimpses of the talents that secured him a headline-grabbing move to Borussia Dortmund as a teenager, Pulisic has endured a subdued debut season in the Premier League.

Things haven’t always gone to plan for Pulisic on the pitch, and he has now revealed how things got off to somewhat of a rocky start during pre-season.

Read the full story here, along with the American’s heartfelt message to former boss and current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.