It is being reported that Antonio Conte has sanctioned the sale of Willian as the Italian gaffer is willing to sign a host of players in the upcoming summer transfer window. This report will come as a breath of fresh air for Jose Mourinho as Manchester United are reportedly very keen on the player. Willian has fallen down the pecking order this season and has struggled to clinch a spot in the starting lineup regularly. Conte has primarily used Pedro on the right-hand side and the Brazilian has been left out of the first team time and again.
Willian was Chelsea’s ‘Player of the year’ last season but it seems Chelsea are open to the idea of selling him as Conte could use the money to bring his brand of players to the Stamford Bridge once the transfer window opens. Willian was handed a brand new £100,000 a week four-year contract last season but it won’t be difficult for United to lure the player as a fee of around £40m would be sufficient to secure his services.
Jose Mourinho signed the Brazilian from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 who then went on to be one of Mourinho’s trusted players very quickly. Despite Mourinho’s departure from Chelsea the 28-year-old still has a good relationship with his mentor which could work in their favour.
Scoring goals have been a problem for United. Despite spending rigorously in the last summer, the attacking force of United has managed to score only 51 goals so far in the English top tier. Mourinho will be given a huge transfer kitty to choose his players from across the world and Willian tops his list.
He is an ardent admirer of Mourinho and we could see that in the last season. Chelsea had a dismal 2015/16 as they finished 10th in the points table. Despite Chelsea’s poor season, the Brazilian was the most impactful player on the pitch. But he has merely started 13 games in the Premier league this season and will be looking for a club to have ample game time to build on his future.
Chelsea need to clear a massive amount of wages to make ways for the new players. Keeping in mind the challenges in the Champions League next season, a number of players could be shown the door. While Chelsea are ready to get rid of the player it remains to be seen If Conte would send him to their direct Premier League rival this summer.
