Willian: Chelsea In Talks With Player, Want Him To Stay

Chelsea remain optimistic over Willian staying at the club next summer and are in talks over a new deal offer to the player, who has until the end of the season left in his contract before he will free to leave as a free agent. 

Willian is making a demand for a new three-year deal to stay, meanwhile, the club can not afford more than two-year extension considering his age. If staying at Stanford Bridge will not be possible, the Brazilian has shown interest in joining Tottenham, Arsenal and even Manchester United. 

"I haven't given up hope on it. The club are still in discussion with him," said Frank Lampard. "We want him to stay at the club, but I also appreciate this contract for him is a big deal because of his age and where he's at."

The Brazilian should have left on June 30 but signed a new deal with the club to enable him to finish the season with the team. Should the winger choose to lead, Lampard believes his decision should be respected as he also has been there during his professional career years. 

"I've been there before myself, and I respect that," Lampard added. "The way he's playing at the minute, he's shown his worth to the squad."

Speaking to ESPN, Willian explained the reasons for his demands stating that it is his desire to remain in Europe for more years before he would like to move to the United States.

"I have plans to stay in Europe and try to play here maybe for three or four more seasons. I believe I can still perform on a high level," said Willian. "I will be 35, 26 year old, I intend to go to the United States and play there. It is a goal that I have."

Lampard holds the former Shakhtar Donetsk player in high esteem for being a player who has committed long service at the club. The seven seasons spent at the club was well-decorated with trophies among which is two Premier League titles.