Chelsea winger Willian looks likely to renew his contract at Stamford Bridge despite interest in a move from Barcelona.
The Brazilian international has consistently been reported to want to leave the Premier League, after rejecting two extensions offers from the club in recent months.
That had led to links of a move as a free agent to the Camp Nou with Italian champions Juventus also said to be keen, but now it appears that a fresh deal may be penned.
“I have stated several times my wish is to stay at Chelsea,” he told Yahoo Sport.
“I like the club very much, I feel very welcomed here, as well as my family, and we love living in London. However, I'm in the middle of the season and I try not to think about it so as not to lose focus on the field. My agent and the club are talking and I hope we can have some good news soon.
“In transfer windows it is normal to have bids and speculations, especially for players who are in final contract. But my focus is 100% on Chelsea and the season.”
It follows a report in El Mundo Deportivo claiming the defending La Liga champions are set to revive their interest in the Brazilian international – after originally wanting to sign him in 2013, before he moved to the Premier League – with his contract now expiring next summer.
Pep Guardiola was linked with bringing him to the Camp Nou, however no move materialised, and he moved on to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, and then Chelsea.
Despite his success in England, Barcelona have consistently retained a passing interest in the 31-year old, and reports in the UK media over the summer linked Ernesto Valverde with a €40m move for the unsettled star.
However, they are now reported to be willing to wait until June 2020, when his contract at Stamford Bridge expires, and he can join the club on a free transfer.
