According to a recent report by Le10sport, Manchester United are showing interest in acquiring the services of Chelsea playmaker Willian whose contract at Stamford Bridge runs out at the end of this campaign. However, the same source has also mentioned that the Red Devils will face stiff competition from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of the Brazilian wide player this summer. It is believed that Barcelona and Juventus are also in the running to sign the Premier League veteran (via Le10sport).
Willian’s Productive Season At Stamford Bridge So Far
The fact that Willian will be available for free in this off-season makes him an attractive proposition for any of his potential suitors. The Brazilian winger has enjoyed another impressive campaign at West London after putting in several match-displays for Frank Lampard’s side thus far.
The former Corinthians talent has featured in 37 matches for the Blues this term, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in all competitions. The 31-year-old has continued to be productive from the wide areas this season and his incredible contributions have gone a long way in helping Chelsea cope with life after Eden Hazard’s departure last summer.
Willian has averaged 1.9 shots, 1.8 key passes and 1.9 dribbles per game in the English first division (stats via whoscored). However, the South American sensation has been even more influential in the UEFA Champions League after averaging 1.4 shots, 2.7 key passes and 4.0 dribbles in every 90 minutes of European football this season (stats via whoscored). The Brazilian’s stats prove that he still has what it takes to be influential at the highest level.
What Will The Brazilian Winger Bring To The Table?
At 31, Willian can still be quick and agile when left isolated in a 1v1 footrace and is not afraid to take on his marker in the final third. As mentioned earlier, he is averaging four completed dribbles per game in the Champions League this season which is an incredible feat for a player in the wrong end of his 30’s. What makes the Brazilian such a highly sought-after talent is his ability to make plays for others around him. Willian excels at cooking up some decent openings going forward and can also score his fair share of goals from long range.
Is Willian The Right Fit For The Red Devils?
If this campaign is anything to go by, Willian still has a few years left in him to play at a high level, so it makes sense for Man United to move in for him in the off-season. He will not only add more goals and assists to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s frontline but could also help inspire some of the younger players like Mason Greenwood and Daniel James at Old Trafford.
Willian is a serial winner of trophies and has earned a wealth of experience in the Premier League so far. If he doesn’t extend his current Chelsea contract, then Man United could potentially sign him for free which makes him a low-risk but high reward acquisition for the Red Devils. Furthermore, Willian will also allow Solskjaer to be more inventive with his formation and tactics in the coming years. All in all, he will be an excellent fit for Man United if they can win the race to land him before the start of the new campaign.
