Chelsea set to hand Willian two-year extension on current deal

Chelsea are reportedly set to hand Willian, who was a target for Barcelona, a two-year extension on his current deal in addition to a hike in wages.

According to a report by The Sun, Chelsea are set to reward Willian for staying put at Stamford Bridge despite interest from Barcelona and other clubs. The Blues are willing to soften their policy of handing a one-year extension to players aged over 30 by offering the Brazilian an additional 12 months as well.

Willian is one of several players who have been mired in long-winding transfer sagas this summer. The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea, with Barcelona and Manchester United among the suitors.

Manchester United hold a long-standing interest in Willian, and were in hot pursuit of the player for much of the summer. But, it was believed that the 30-year-old was only willing to leave Chelsea for a move to Barcelona.

The Blaugrana though, were put off by Chelsea’s valuation of the player, with the Blues only willing to sell their star man to Barcelona for around £70 million. In the end, the Catalans ended their interest in Willian, going on to sign his compatriot, Malcom for around half the fee.

Barcelona could have perhaps, had a strong chance of landing Willian if Antonio Conte was still in-charge of the Premier League giants, with the player recently revealing that his relationship with the former manager had reached a point of no return.

Chelsea, on the other hand, successfully kept hold of the Brazilian international after Barcelona ceded interest in him, with Maurizio Sarri also holding crunch talks with him. The West Londoners are now ready to reward the player for his loyalty by offering him a two-year extension on his current £120,000-a-week deal.

The Premier League heavyweights have been impressed by his performances on the field as well, which has prompted them to shun their usual policy of only extending deals by 12 months for players aged over 30.

In addition to the extension, Chelsea are also ready to offer Willian a hike on his current wages, with Sarri holding him in high regard as well. The former Barcelona target now looks set to continue his stint at Stamford Bridge, albeit much beyond the two years entailed by his current contract.