Chelsea will have thought hard about allowing Willian to run down his contract, says Mario Melchiot, with the Blues’ philosophy when it comes to ageing stars seeing them ask: “Do we really need this player?”
The Brazil forward now appears destined to leave Stamford Bridge after seven years of loyal service.
The Blues had been hoping to agree fresh terms with the South American, but were reluctant to meet the three-year extension request of a 31-year-old performer.
Editors' Picks
Willian is now set to drop into the free agent pool, with there plenty of speculation to suggest that he will be crossing London to link up with Arsenal.