Chelsea’s Brazilian winger Willian has been completely out of form this season. The former Anzhi Makhachkala man was brought in by Jose Mourinho in a dramatic fashion after the Portuguese tactician stole him from under the nose of Tottenham Hotspur.
Willian’s move was initially a big hit, with the player being the only bright spark in Chelsea’s disastrous 2015-16 season. However, ever since the arrival of Antonio Conte, Willian has been unable to repeat his form of old. He paid the price by losing his spot in the first team and things have gone downhill ever since.
It is now being reported that Conte is ready to cut the player loose and unload him in January to make funds available for other players. Here is a look at three options Chelsea can pursue to replace the energetic Brazilian.
Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez has been in the form of his life for the last couple of seasons inspiring Arsenal to numerous victories. The versatile Chilean winger can play on either wing or as a centre-forward if required be. His low-centre of gravity coupled with his ability to take on defenders and leave them perplexed has made him nearly unstoppable for opposition defenders.
Although highly unlikely, should Sanchez make a move to the West London club, he will feature in a top three along with Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard, a trio that would drive terror into the hearts of any Premier League defence. The Stamford Bridge faithful will be dreaming of a possible combination play between Hazard and Sanchez and the duo on their day can rip apart defence to shreds.
Lucas
The big money signing was expected to become one of the best midfielders in the world but the little winger with an excellent dribbling skill is yet to live up to his potential.
Paris Saint Germain ended up luring the player after paying €40m for his services. He has gone on to make 228 appearances for the club and has scored 46 goals and created 48 more in those matches. However, the arrival of Neymar, Mbappe, Draxler and Di Maria over the last two seasons has seen Lucas lose his first-team chances.
With the Brazilian falling down the pecking order, it might prompt Lucas to move to the west London club where he is likely to get a lot more game time. His move to Chelsea will bring in some much-needed creativity to The Pensioners.
Richarlison
The 20-year old attacking player moved to the English side Watford this summer from Fluminense.
Richarlison has enjoyed a bright start to the Premier League, scoring four goals and setting up three more in his twelve games at the club. Much of the credit for Watford’s impressive start to the new season will go to the dynamic Brazilian winger who has been very influential every time Watford has charged towards the goal.
Chelsea will look to add him to their roster as he could potentially be a long-term addition to the Blues squad given his quality and young age.
