Despite winning the La Liga by maintaining sheer supremacy, Barcelona’s season suffered a massive setback following a 4-0 Champions League semifinal defeat against Liverpool at Anfield. The disappointment led to a shocking outcome against Valencia in the Copa del Rey final and the Catalan giants must splash the cash this summer to regain the reputation.
While Real Madrid have already spent more than €300m to reconfigure their depleted squad from the previous term, Barca are reigniting interest in long-term targets having submitted a £35m offer for Chelsea ace Willian, according to Sky Sports News. They, meanwhile, are not alone this time with Atletico Madrid, their La Liga rivals, offering a similar fee to secure the Brazilian’s services.
Willian, 30, was heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou last summer. But the Blues rejected three bids for the Selecao international with the final one worth more than £55m as per reports. The winger has entered the final year of his contract at the Bridge and Chelsea, unable to make signings due to a transfer ban, are desperate to keep hold of the experienced attacker.
The West London heavyweights roped in Willian for £30m (from Anzhi Makhachkala) back in the summer of 2013. He has netted 52 times in 292 appearances ever since and won multiple honours including a couple of Premier League titles as well as the Europa League, League Cup and the FA Cup glory once each.
The Blaugrana were keen on him earlier this year as well, but the player cooled down the talks and dismissed the rumours while discussing his future (as quoted by the Express).
“My future? It’s here at Chelsea. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t see the newspapers.”
Willian will turn 31 in August and did not look impressive enough last season under Maurizio Sarri. He is nearing the twilight of his career and the persistent chase from the champions hves baffled the fans due to the club’s bizarre transfer strategy.
The Cules have failed miserably with mega-money moves for Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho and therefore, must bolster the frontline to help out Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the attacking third. Malcom has not been handed enough opportunities yet while an outlandish winter loan for Kevin-Prince Boateng made no sense.
Chelsea have lost Eden Hazard to Real Madrid and should not allow the Brazilian to depart irrespective of strong interests. This, in turn, would benefit Barcelona who must shift their focus elsewhere and wrap up younger options who are promising, showcased consistency with their respective outfits and would serve the Catalans for years to come.
