Chelsea held talks to sign Willian as free agent before Fulham stay. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Fulham star Willian was on the radar of Chelsea in the ongoing transfer window before the forward extended his stay at the Cottagers, according to ESPN Brasil’s Joao Castelo-Branco on Twitter (h/t Metro).
The Brazilian signed for the Craven Cottage side last summer. However, for a brief moment this summer, the 34-year-old was available as a free agent. To that end, the Blues enquired about getting a hold of his signature.
However, the Stamford Bridge side were not in advanced talks with Willian regarding a return. He was a backup target for the West London club to bolster their attacking ranks.
Chelsea were not the only team looking to acquire the Brazilian’s services recently. Premier League rivals Manchester United were also in the race, while the 34-year-old turned down approaches from Nottingham Forest to remain at Fulham.
Willian established himself in the Premier League at the Stamford Bridge side. He spent seven fruitful years at the Blues, winning multiple English top-flight titles and the Europa League.
In the previous campaign, the Brazilian caught a lot of people’s attention with his performances at the Craven Cottage side. In 27 PL appearances for the Cottagers, the 34-year-old scored five goals and provided five assists.
As far as Chelsea are concerned, we have the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke in our ranks. The Blues have sold Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and did not retain Joao Felix after his impressive loan spell last season.
In the attack, the Stamford Bridge side were disappointing in the 2022/23 term. Our striking department lacks a lot of quality and depth as well.
However, Willian would evidently not have been the answer to our problems. The Brazilian’s age goes against him. Therefore, it is wise that the Blues did not end up signing the 34-year-old this summer.
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