Are seven years of success at Stamford Bridge enough for Willian that for next season, he is ready to move out of Chelsea? That appeared to be the situation with the Brazilian star, who has yet to accept the extension deal offered by the Blues but promised to reveal his decision in the few days to come.
Willian's camp has made clear the 31-year-old will decide on where to play next once Chelsea's campaign for the season is over. The side of Frank Lampard will return to the Champions League on Saturday and if the Premier League club fails to advance any further, it is decision time for the winger.
"He is going to make his decision after the last game of the season," Goal reported Kia Joorabchian, Willian's agent, as saying.
Joorabchian revealed the options available for his client - offers from English and other European clubs are on the table or Willian could choose to pick an offer from MLS club Inter Miami.
It is believed, however, that if Willian will exit from Stamford this summer, his likely destination is another club in London, specifically that of Arsenal's Emirates. The Brazilian is thought to have received a tempting offer from the Gunners and the prospect of not leaving the city seemed to appeal strongly on the Chelsea man.
Yet most importantly, Willian still intends to play top-level football and he is well aware that his choice in the coming days will boil down to leaving for other European sides or staying in London. If he goes for the latter, then it's either Chelsea or Arsenal for the attacking midfielder.
However, Willian remaining with Lampard's side is fraught with complications. The club has an existing policy of giving a one-year contract with players over 30 years of age. Chelsea though made an exemption for the star and offered him a two-year deal.
The Evening Standard said the Brazilian has demanded better security for what could prove as his last deal with a top-flight football club. Willian will only sign for no less than three years and it remains unknown if the Blues will go the extra mile for the player.
In any case, the same report said Lampard seemed ready to accept on the next direction that Willian will take. But the manager made clear he would happy to see the man still with his roster in the seasons to come.
"I've got a great relationship with Willian ... [and] I'm very happy with [him]. He's been brilliant with me this season with input and work ethic within the squad," Lampard was reported as saying.
The boss, however, acknowledged that Willian could decide to move on, and in such a case, he added that Chelsea will need to move forward.
