Willian has again rejected an offer of a two-year deal from Chelsea, but the winger’s representatives is now in talks with Arsenal.
The Brazilian still wants to play in Chelsea’s probable final game of the campaign as they aim to overcome a 3-0 deficit against Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Willian is looking to recover from an injury which caused him to miss the final against Arsenal on Saturday.
His agent, Kia Joorabchian, told talkSPORT last week: “I don’t think he’s done a U-turn or any kind of turn. He’s always been very much in the same mode. We had big offers – one from MLS which required him to move on July 1 – but he’s always wanted to finish the season at Chelsea and the day after the season has finished he would decide.
“He has two concrete offers from Premier League clubs on the table, an offer from an MLS club, and two other offers from Europe. He is going to make his decision after the last game of the season.”
Arsenal are now the front runners due to Willian’s desire to remain in London and the gunners are also in talks with his agent Kia Joorabchian to sign him as a free agent, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Barcelona and Inter Milan are also believed to be keen on signing Willian, but only Mikel Arteta’s side have made an offer.
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Chelsea’s chances of keeping the player appear to be very slim as they are immovable on the length of contract that they can offer.
The blues have recently upgraded their one-year contract policy for players over 30 to two years, but are unwilling to increase it to three for Willian.
“It is his decision, I haven’t got that answer,” Lampard said of the situation to reporters on Saturday. “I know the situation at the club’s end. I have a great relationship with Willian, but I don’t actually know what the decision is.
“If that happens over the next whatever days, as he said, then that would be good for me in either way. Of course, I am very happy with Willian. He has been brilliant for me this season with his input and work ethic, within the squad.
“It is his choice and I respect his choice. He has been a great servant for Chelsea if he decides to move on, and if he does decide to move on then Chelsea will move on and we have to look forwards ourselves.”
