Chelsea to start talks with Willian over one-year deal as Lampard wants to stop winger leaving on free transfer
WILLIAN could sign a new one-year-deal at Chelsea as Frank Lampard wants to stop the Brazilian leaving on a free, it has been claimed.
The 31-year-old is in the last year of his Blues contract and splits opinion among fans despite reported interest from Barcelona and Juventus.
The wideman is a Brazilian international and Lampard wants to stop him from leaving on a free so the club are preparing to start talks, according to the .
Having been at Chelsea for six years, he is said to be settled in London and keen on extending his time with the club.
Willian moved to the West Londoners in 2013 in a £30million deal from Anzhi Makhachkala.
He snubbed Tottenham to make the Blues switch and has generally been considered a success.
And his performances have been so good he even attracted interest from Barcelona and Juventus.
His most recent positive press was on Wednesday when he scored Chelsea's winner in their Champions League victory at Lille.
The Blues won 2-1 in France and Willian added to Tammy Abraham's opener to give his side all three points on 77 minutes.
And speaking earlier in the week, Willian insisted he is not fazed but the lack of progress on his future until now.
Responding to requests for an update he said: "No, no, nothing.
"But yes, I am still relaxed. I am calm, I am relaxed. I wait for the club."
Despite Willian's coy response, Lampard was far clearer with his feelings.
Speaking after the Lille game he said: "Really important - he’s a top player.
"I want to see him happy. I want to see a smile on his face because his work ethic has been brilliant.
“He can take people out of the game with his speed and trickery and he can score goals for us.
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“It’s a lovely balance for the young players. We need to have competition in attack and out wide because it must be like that, they must be on edge.”
The Brazilian recently took over the number 10 shirt vacated by Eden Hazard when he moved to Real Madrid which infuriated some fans.
Chelsea face Southampton at St Mary's next. The game kicks off on Sunday at 2:00pm.