Shakhtar Donetsk star hoping for Stamford Bridge move.
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Shakhtar Donetsk star Willian has given a big hint that he would like to transfer to Chelsea, by singing the praises of the club and the city of London.
The Brazil winger, who is 23 years of age, gave an extensive interview with the Sun, in which he laid out his hopes of moving to the West London side.
Chelsea were widely thought to have made a bid of €20m last week – approximately £16.7m – but that was believed to have been rejected.
“I have friends in the Brazil side who play for Chelsea, like David [Luiz] and Ramires,” said Willian.
“All they talk about is the thrill of being in a city like London and playing for a club like Chelsea.
“I’ve known David since we played together in the Brazil Under-20 side and he talks about what Villas-Boas is trying to build at Chelsea.
“He and Ramires feel he wants a core of young players who can mature and grow together but also be successful.
“David says how the coach takes a real interest in all his players, how he can adapt different cultures together and bring the best out of them.
“Then obviously there is life in London. David and Ramires say there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the world – it’s exciting and challenging at the same time.”
Willian has been at Shakhtar Donetsk since August 2007, and given the climate in the Ukraine is certainly no more tropical than that in London, he would have no problem adapting to the English weather.
The Brazil star has earned two caps for his country – the first coming in November last year – and a work permit may have to be found based on him being a special talent.
Willian has scored 24 goals in 167 appearances since moving to the Ukraine, and would likely feature on either wing should he make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Shakhtar Donetsk are owned by Rinat Akhmetov, who is estimated to be worth some $25.6m.
No matter what Chelsea offer would likely seem anything but small change to Akhmetov – even with the bottomless pockets of Roman Abramovich.
In such scenarios, it is the desire of the player that usually decides the course of actions.
Fortunately for Chelsea, Willian has already signalled his intentions.