WILLIAN has hinted at a move to Tottenham as the Chelsea ace says he has “no problem” joining a rival club and is “big friends” with Jose Mourinho.
The Brazilian star has revealed he is in regular contact with pal Mourinho, who coached him for two years at Stamford Bridge.
Willian played under Mourinho at Chelsea from August 2013 to December 2015
The 31-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, having failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension.
Willian and the Blues were both hoping to come to a deal, but the winger demanded a three-year term while the West Londoners only offered two – sparking interest from Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool and Inter Milan.
In an interview with Bolivia Talk Show, Willian said: “Nothing arrived from Mourinho but we do have a good relationship, he’s a big friend of mine.
“We speak to each other sometimes but when it comes to that (speaking about transfers) he respects me a lot.”
The Brazilian ace has thrown cold water over speculation of a move away from London.
Willian has insisted that he and his family have taken to life in the English capital since his £32million switch from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala seven years ago.
When asked about his future, he said: “I like London and my family likes it too but that’s a question I don’t know how to answer.
“I don’t know which club I’m going to or if I’m staying here at Chelsea or if I’m leaving to another London club or if I’m leaving England, that’s something I don’t know.”
The Blues maestro has said that should the season be extended beyond his contract he will stay and see out the campaign because of his “loyalty” to the Stamford Bridge outfit.
The Blues ace has scored 59 goals in 329 games while winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and last season’s Europa League.
Spurs could be plotting revenge on Chelsea by securing Willian on a free – almost seven years after the Blues hijacked their transfer of him.
But they still face stiff competition from their North London neighbours, Arsenal, who are eyeing a replacement for wantaway skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Willian is standing firm on landing a three-year deal at his next club which matches his current £120,000-a-week salary.
Cash-strapped Arsenal may be reluctant to tie themselves to such a long-term agreement for a player who will be 32 in August.
However, the Brazilian’s agent Kia Joorabchian has become an increasingly influential figure at the Emirates over the past year.
He also represents the Gunners’ technical director Edu — and pulled the strings in the signings of David Luiz and loanee Cedric Soares.
PSG have been linked to Willian since the last deadline day but a move failed to materialise.
Barcelona had been eyeing a swoop for a while and made a failed £50million bid in 2018, but they have reportedly now turned their attentions elsewhere.
Willian has scored seven times and registered six assists in 37 matches for Chelsea this term.
Jorginho shows his skills in Chelsea training ground shootout
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
