Willian the choice for Chelsea

Shaktar Donetsk have laid down the gauntlet to Chelsea by which I mean they have named a price, in the London club’s pursuit of Willian.

The Mirror reports that the Brazilian’s performances for the Ukrainian club have sparked interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, so much so that Shaktar’s chief executive officer revealed in January that the club had turned down a £16.7m approach for the player from an unnamed club.

The player, who if I was him I would so call myself Will.I.An, has picked up three league winners’ medals and UEFA Cup since joining the Ukrainian giants in 2009.

When the initial bid was made, the club insisted that the attacking midfielder was not for sale. However, Shatkar’s manager Mircea Lucescu seems to have changed tact since.

Lucescu said; “They have to pay the price. They have to pay the price because we bring the players here at 17 or 18 years old. We pay a lot of money because they are talented players and we bring them up. I have 23 or 24 [players like that], not only Willian. They have played a lot of matches in Europe and they have a very, very good value.

He added; “ If Chelsea pay his [asking price], I am not against letting my players play for the big clubs. If they pay the price, he can go. If not, he will remain here because he has another two-and-a-half years on his contract."

However, Lucescu is not sure if Chelsea remain interested in the player and whether or not they will submit a bid this summer.

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