Willian claims transfer to Arsenal or Spurs would ‘be fine’

Joe Williams
Willian Chelsea

Willian thinks it “would be fine to move to a rival club” if he leaves Chelsea “with no trouble” amid transfer links to rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

The Brazil winger will be available on a free transfer in the summer when his contract expires at the end of June.

Willian had been locked in discussions over a new deal, previously revealing he was holding out for a three-year extension with Chelsea only offering two-year terms.


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With Newcastle United set for a huge takeover, Willian has been the subject of interest from the Magpies, while he has also been linked with a transfer across London to Spurs or Arsenal.

When directly asked about rumours linking him to Arsenal and Spurs, Willian told Brazillian YouTube channel Desimpedidos: “It really is a hard decision. I identified myself a lot at Chelsea, I have a lot of love for everyone at the club, and the fans.

“However, it is like I said before, if I leave Chelsea with no trouble and leaving the doors open, it would be fine to move to a rival club.”

When asked if he would be staying in London, Willian replied: “I don’t know. I like London and so does my family. However, this is a question that I still don’t know the answer, if I will stay at Chelsea, move to another team from London, or leave England.”

The former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has also looked to clear up rumours that his family dressed up in red to fuel Arsenal transfer speculation.

“About that… there was no intention in creating rumours,” Willian added.

“In England, we do not have this situation [like in Brazil] where a player from Corinthians can’t wear green or a player from Palmeiras can’t wear black and white, this kind of stuff. So there was one day when my wife and kids dressed in red and she did not think it would create any rumours, there was nothing in it.”

Willian denies that former boss Jose Mourinho has been in touch about a transfer to Tottenham, he continued: “No, no. I did not get anything from Mourinho even though I have a good relationship with him.

“He is not only a great coach but also a great friend of mine. Sometimes we talk but regarding this situation, he totally respects it.

“I learnt a bit from each of them [my other managers] but I identified myself more with Mourinho for sure. He trusted in my potential, liked my football, gave me full confidence to play. He is the best coach I have worked with.”

 

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