Barcelona closing in on a free transfer for Chelsea star

Spanish La Liga giants FC Barcelona are close to agreeing a deal to sign Chelsea winger Willian on a free transfer for next season, according to reports in Spain.. 

The Brazilian has just half a season left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge but is yet to agree an extension. 

As per reports in Spain, La Liga champions Barcelona almost have a deal finalised to bring the 31-year-old to the Nou Camp this summer. 

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has urged the Blues to go all out and tie the Brazlian international down for the foreseeable future. 

The 31-year-old winger has become a favourite for the new manager after Eden Hazard's departure to Real Madrid. 

The Blues have already offered the forward a one-year extension, though the player is seeking a two-year deal and increase on his £110,000-a-week wages. 

Chelsea have a philosophy of offering only one-year deals to players beyond the age of 30. They even stuck to that principle with players like John Terry and Lampard himself. 

However, Lampard has urged the board to make an exception to this in case of the Chelsea number ten. 

As per reports, Willian's representatives are said to have met with Barcelona bosses "several times" to discuss terms over a free transfer at the end of the term. 

The 31-year-old is represented by agency Sport Invest, who also work with his Brazilian team-mate Philippe Coutinho, who could be available in the summer following the end of his loan deal with Bayern. 

It seems unlikely that the former Liverpool star has a future at Barcelona and Chelsea are said to be interested in the 27-year-old. 

Barcelona had a bid of £50million for Willian in 2018 turned down by Chelsea but have always kept tabs on the flamboyant winger. 

Meanwhile, Willian’s team-mate Pedro also has six months left on his deal and seems to be heading out of the club in the summer. 

Borussia Dortmund sensation Jadon Sancho and Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha have both been strongly linked with the West London club.

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