Move would allow Philippe Coutinho to play more centrally but Blues appear keen to retain Willian's services this summerCHELSEA have reportedly rejected a staggering £50million bid from Barcelona for Willian.
The Daily Mail claims the Brazilian is being targeted by Ernesto Valverde’s side after starring for Brazil at the World Cup this month.
Barcelona have lost veteran playmaker Andres Iniesta to Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
And they are keen to ensure they remain strong going forward, with Willian seen as the ideal man to play out wide in order to give Philippe Coutinho a central berth.
The 29-year-old has been at Stamford Bridge for five years and was named the club’s Player of the Season during the 2015/16 campaign.
But Willian has struggled to hold down a regular spot under Antonio Conte and has also been linked with Manchester United.
However, it seems Chelsea have no plans to let him go after snubbing Barcelona’s mega-money offer.
The Blues are in a state of flux as Roman Abramovich negotiates a pay-off for Antonio Conte and a fee for ex-Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri.
Willian is likely to be viewed as an important player by whoever is in charge at Stamford Bridge next term.
And with United also sniffing around, there could be the possibility of a bidding war – driving Willian’s price-tag even higher.
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