Chelsea: Update on Willian’s future and what’s next?

Chelsea star winger Willian has expressed his interest in staying at Stamford Bridge recently. However, should the Blues prepare to lose the Brazilian?

If there’s one way to describe Willian’s career in blue, it’s a rollercoaster ride. From the Brazilian’s dramatic signing with Chelsea in 2013—where he had undergone a medical with Tottenham—to his flirting with his club’s London rivals in the present, nothing has been cookie-cutter about the way he’s gone about his business. Now, as the new Premier League season quickly approaches, the 31-year-old has a decision to make regarding his future.

Chelsea and Willian have reportedly differed on occasion about the optimal length of a new deal; the club preferring a 2-year contract and the player preferring a 3-year one. Although the sides looked close to reaching a deal last week, things are now back to square one. Willian looks set to snub Tottenham again and make a move to Chelsea’s London rival; Arsenal.

So, where does this leave the Blues?

With both Willian and Pedro exiting, Frank Lampard will be left with just three natural wingers on his team—Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, a fourth winger isn’t of high priority considering the versatility of other players. Timo Werner can play on the left wing in certain formations, Mason Mount can play on either side out wide and Kai Havertz, should be sign, can line up on the right. However, should Chelsea search for alternatives, the Blues have been linked with Said Benrahma of Brentford.

This would be a fantastic deal for Lampard’s side, but a difficult one to achieve. Brentford plays Fulham on August 4 in the Championship Playoff final; the winner earns promotion to the Premier League. Should the Bees win, Benrahma’s price would skyrocket. Further, convincing the Algerian to be a backup at Stamford Bridge is a tough ask considering his other suitors. Therefore, if Brentford fails to secure promotion, it’s worth taking a deep dive into. If the Bees come up for the first time in the club’s history, Chelsea should look elsewhere.

The Blues could poach a pair of wingers from Bournemouth, as well. Ryan Fraser, who is now a free agent, spent last season with the Cherries and his absence played a part in their relegation down the stretch. Regardless, Fraser was one of the bright spots and at 26, he is unlikely to get a deal better than what Chelsea could offer. A rotational role in a Champions League squad would be enough to entice any recently relegated individual, especially one as talented as Fraser.

Another Bournemouth winger the Blues would benefit from signing is Junior Stanislas. Stanislas is an unconventional choice due to his age (30), but would be relatively cheap. He showed some quality against big sides during the restart and would be the perfect player to plug the back-up winger role for a season or two. None of the winger options—besides Benrahma—would offer long-term solutions, so splurging at a time where the team needs to fill other holes would be working backwards. Stanislas is good enough to play in cup matches and occasionally make a difference in the Premier League, which is all one can ask of him in the part he’d play.

In the end, a fourth natural winger is low on the Blues’ list of priorities. Luckily, that doesn’t mean there are not options available that would benefit Lampard’s side next season. Chelsea is rebuilding and all doors should remain open, even a potential Willian extension.