Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has revealed the club are still speaking to winger Willian over a new long-term contract.
The Brazilian is out of contract this summer but recently joined Pedro in penning short-term extensions to allow them to finish the Premier League season with the Blues.
ICYMI: @willianborges88 and @_Pedro17_ have agreed extensions to their existing contracts!
— Chelsea FC (at ?) (@ChelseaFC) June 24, 2020
Pedro is expected to join Roma once that temporary deal expires, but Willian is yet to decide on his next move. Speaking in a press conference (via the Daily Mail), Lampard confessed that Chelsea have not yet given up on keeping him.
"Yes we are still talking with the players and Willian in particular we are talking with him," the boss said. "I always felt confident that they would remain.
"They have been fantastic professionals for the club and servants in all senses and when you have that level of professionalism within you it was a sign that they wanted to stay and see out this season at least.
"So we will carry on talking and see but I think everybody’s focus now is on these next games, the individuals themselves and us as a club.
"I’m pleased negotiations were relatively easy because both sides wanted the same thing. The two players wanted to make sure they could see the season out with us.
At this point we need them in the squad they are both important players for us so I’m happy."
Willian had previously revealed talks over a new deal had completely broken down, with Chelsea reluctant to meet his demands of a three-year contract. The Blues were already prepared to break their policy and offer Willian two years, but the Brazilian turned it down.
He has left the door open to eventually finding an agreement, but that has always seemed unlikely as Chelsea rarely offer more than one year to ageing players, let alone three.
Arsenal and Tottenham have both been heavily linked with Willian, while Manchester United are also believed to have joined the race for his signature if he does walk away from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
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Source : 90min