29-year-old Brazilian international Willian looks like he will be on his way out Stamford Bridge summer
Willian has been with Chelsea since 2013, but it looks like his time in South-West London may well be up. The Brazilian is a technically skilful player, and when Chelsea underperform, is often a ray of light in the Blue shirt.
He had a well publicised issue with previous manager Antonio Conte, at one point erasing manager Conte out of a social media post after the Blues won the FA Cup final. It seems Willian is still keen to force a move away from the Bridge, despite the departure of Conte. Barcelona is a possible destination for the talented attacking midfielder, who has been linked with a host of clubs.
A departure of Willian is not the end of the world for Chelsea. New manager, Italian Maurizio Sarri likely will have wanted to bring in his own attacking options anyway, and Chelsea should collect a large transfer fee for Willian.
With that in mind, here is Chelsea’s dream 18/19 attack under Sarri…
Nabil Fekir would be a very solid replacement for Willian.
The French international, who plays for hometown club Lyon, netted 18 times in 29 Ligue 1 appearances last season. He is four years younger than Willian and is approaching his peak. He was a member of the France squad which recently won the World Cup in Russia, so certainly comes with an impressive pedigree.
A direct and forward-thinking player, he has great technique and is an astute passer of the ball. Chelsea fans can expect some really sharp skill from Fekir, who is able to get out of tight spaces with his trickery. He has the finishing to match, and is cool calm and collected in front of goal.
He is certainly the calibre of player who would help Chelsea secure at least a top four place in the coming season.
Leading the line for Chelsea in Sarri’s dream 18/19 attack would surely be Gonzalo Higuain.
Just an out and out lethal finisher. Alvaro Morata was wasteful last season in the Blue shirt, the Argentinian is lethal when it comes to taking his changes. Even at 30, he still has a turn of pace that can beat defenders.
A player familiar to Sarri, he would know what to do to get the best out of the front man. His name would strike fear into Premier League defences up and down the country.
Keeping hold of Eden Hazard will not be easy, but he has to form part of Sarri’s dream front three.
Real Madrid are thought to be in for the Belgian to the tune of £112m. If Chelsea can keep hold of the player during this turbulent summer, he could still be a massive player for them next season. His ability to do something special and get the team going is invaluable to Chelsea.
Alongside the likes of Fekir and Higuain, Hazard might truly come into his own. He is already one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.
Sarri should do everything to try and keep hold of Eden Hazard.
