Chelsea star Willian has been left feeling ‘upset and offended’ after his seven-year stay at the club came crashing down to a bitter end, according to reports.
The 31-year-old has penned a three-year contract to join London rivals Arsenal after his talks over a new deal to remain at Stamford Bridge collapsed. The winger had desired a three-year extension but was instead offered a ‘take it or leave it’ rebuttal from director Marina Granovskaia before the coronavirus crisis brought a halt to the season.
ESPN report that Willian’s representatives believe Chelsea did not do enough to secure his future. Despite top-flight action having resumed after the three-month hiatus, talks weren’t continued with the Brazil international with Chelsea unwilling to match his demands.
The impasse has recently allowed Arsenal to swoop in and seal the deal on a free transfer. Blues boss Frank Lampard is believed to have personally appealed to the club’s hierarchy to hand Willian the contract he had requested. The 42-year-old recognises the importance of the former Shakhtar Donetsk star since his arrival in 2013, with Willian having scored 63 goals and registered 62 assists.
Chelsea won two Premier League titles, the Europa League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his trophy-laden stay. But with the West London outfit remaining firm over their policy of offering more experienced players short-term deals, Willian’s camp believe Chelsea’s reluctance to keep the player was laid bare.
Willian is keen to remain in London due to his family having settled into the city.
It has also been reported that Willian is close friends with Arsenal centre back David Luiz and the duo appear set to be reunited in the near future.
The incentive to continue playing European football may also have swayed Willian to head to the Emirates after Arsenal downed the Blues at Wembley to win the FA Cup.
