Time is running out on Chelsea in deciding on their ultimate plans for Willian Borges da Silva.

After agreeing to a short-term deal that would see him finish the domestic season, the Blues need to buckle down and make a decision over a new contract soon. Only about three weeks remain before the Brazilian can walk out of Stamford Bridge, meaning a contract needs to be dangled in the coming weeks.

Willian is seeking a three-year deal, something made known before the COVID-19 pandemic. Chelsea was only willing to offer a two-year deal, but that may have all changed given the financial pinch resulting from the pandemic.

Willian does have other options. There are several teams interested in taking him in. Among those on the list are Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham. The only unknown thing for these teams is whether the 31-year-old still covets a three-year deal, ChelseaFC.com reported.

Regardless, the ball is currently in the Blues' end of the pitch. They have until the end of July to get something done with Willian. If nothing happens, expect the Brazilian to start negotiating with other teams. United has already touched base with him, but it appears these were only exploratory talks.

Assuming that Willian is offered a three-year deal, there is a chance that the final monetary figures on the paycheck will be altered. The Brazilian admitted before that he is aware of the financial crunch, meaning teams may hold off from lavish spending. The scenario could change next summer, so Willian could instead opt for a one-year deal first.

Even if Willian is lost, Frank Lampard will not be short of talent. Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech are arriving soon, and Kai Havertz looms on the horizon. Hence, Willian leaving may not matter much, although his experience is something Lampard wants to retain.

So far, Lampard has been using Willian in full, with the Brazilian a regular fixture for the Blues since the restart of the Premier League season – possibly a sign that Chelsea plans to keep him. Lampard is probably aware of what the future holds and the closest most can bank on is how he is using Willian as of late.

Whether Willian is offered a three-year deal by another team remains to be seen. Even if this occurs, it would likely be within the context of a shrunken, pandemic-related offer, so it could be best for Willian if he signs a one-year contract, somewhere, and waits for a bigger payday down the road.