Lampard insists Chelsea ‘have done everything’ they can to keep Willian as Arsenal transfer looms closer for Brazilian
FRANK LAMPARD insisted Chelsea “have done everything” they can to keep Willian.
But it does not look as though it will be enough to convince the Brazilian as he closes in on a free transfer to Arsenal.
Willian, 32 on Sunday, joined the Blues in 2013 and spent a year playing alongside Lampard.
And the Blues boss wished him well if indeed the attacker does depart as expected and revealed there would be no hard feelings.
He said: “In terms of being disappointed, certainly as a club we have done everything we can to explain to Willian.
“Mine and his relationship is very close and I would have no feeling of disappointment if he does move on. He is a fantastic man and a fantastic player.
“The club have acted very well in this as well. If he moves on I personally will wish him well. That is where we are at.
“I think he leaves a hole as a player who has been here for I think seven seasons, being part of successful teams. He has his own decisions to make. We as a club will always want to move forward, no matter what.
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“Eden Hazard left last year, the club continues to work in a forward direction which I think we have in many ways. That remains the same, whatever player leaves the club.
“When a player is out of contract they have the freedom and the right to play wherever they want. We have to accept that and move on. I have no problems with that.”
Willian has seemingly played his last Chelsea game after being left out of the 23-man travelling squad for their Champions League trip to Bayern Munich.
He missed the FA Cup final against Arsenal with an Achilles injury and Lampard confirmed he has not recovered in time to travel to Germany so will stay home along with plenty of other crocked stars.
Arsenal are set to seal a three-year deal worth £100,000 for the two-time Premier League winner in the coming days.
And he could line up in a devastating attack supporting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is set to sign a new contract at the Emirates.
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Mikel Arteta’s side have also been linked with moves for playmakers Philippe Coutinho and James Rodriguez this summer.
But it is thought Willian has been left “upset and offended” by the way his seven-year spell at Chelsea is ending.
His entourage feel the Blues did not try hard enough to stop him joining rivals Arsenal, only offering him a two-year extension when he demanded a further three years.