Chelsea have rejected an opening £50 million bid from Barcelona for Brazil international Willlian.
After winning a domestic double last season, manager Ernesto Valverde is desperate to reinforce his squad with a view to improving on last season’s Champions League campaign which saw his side knocked out at the quarter final stage, following Roma’s remarkable comeback from a 4-1 first leg defeat.
Valverde will need to replace Andres Iniesta who signed for Visell Kobe last month and Willian’s creativity and running power caught Valverde’s eye when Barcelona played Chelsea over two legs last season, the 29-year-old scoring the only goal in the FA Cup holder’s 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
The Daily Mail reports that Willian’s representatives have been in Barcelona to begin initial discussions but Chelsea have dismissed an initial offer, mindful of the fact Manchester United are preparing a more lucrative package.