According to reports from The Independent, Chelsea would consider a transfer offer from Manchester United for fan favourite Willian.
What’s the word?
Outlining Chelsea’s summer transfer plans, which apparently involves a £200million budget to address six key positions, The Independent claim there will be one or two sales. Alongside goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who looks set to leave in search of first team football, it’s alleged Chelsea would consider an offer for Willian from Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The idea of the Brazilian being reunited with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford is nothing new. Back in February, he told Globo Esporte (via Goal) that the Red Devils boss tried to sign him last summer and occasional reports of United’s interest have bubbled under the surface ever since. Likewise, a departure from Stamford Bridge this summer now seems likely, following a campaign which has seen Willian become increasingly marginalised by Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation.
“There were enquiries, yes. It was from Manchester United, because Mourinho is there too. From other clubs I don’t know but there are always some things on the internet. I’m glad to hear that there are clubs that admire my work.”
Willian on Man United interest
Do United need another winger?
On the surface, it would seem Jose Mourinho already has more than enough winger and attacking midfield options at his disposal – the problem, however, is that he doesn’t seem particularly content with any of them. Even his own summer signing, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, hasn’t been an automatic starter this season, whilst the likes of Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata have been used as rotation options throughout the campaign.
When it comes to wide players, work-rate is often Mourinho’s biggest grievance. You might have noticed them acting almost as extra full-backs during United’s away games against quality opposition this season, an insistence upon tracking back that hasn’t quite paid off – largely because Mourinho doesn’t actually have the players to do it.
Willian, however, has already proved himself capable of those duties, excelling as Chelsea’s industrious yet inventive right winger as they marched to the Premier League title under the Red Devils boss in 2014/15. He’s got the natural energy and quality to meet Mourinho’s defensive demands whilst making a difference at the other end of the pitch. Selling to Mourinho, however, does seem a little short-sighted on Chelsea’s part considering how well-suited the Brazilian would be.
