Chelsea, Willian 'open talks' over improved contract — report

Brazilian attacking midfielder Willian has been the unlikely hero and top goalscorer of a most strange Chelsea season so far.  Due to his consistent and good performances despite the team's bad form, negotiations have started over an improved contract, as reported by Simon Johnson from the Evening Standard.  This is now the second time we're hearing of an improved Willian contract, coming two weeks after the Mirror reported something similar.  As mentioned then, the Mirror tend to be early rather than wrong with these sorts of things.  Smoke, fire, sign on the dotted line.

At the moment, Willian, 27, is on an £85,000 per week contract that runs out in 2018. According to the report, Chelsea want to extend that for another two years, which would see Willian tied to the club until 2020. Only Eden Hazard, Kenedy, and Baba Rahman are tied down for that long.

In one of his interviews last week, Chelsea football director Michael Emenalo mentioned how another recent contract extension, Ramires's until 2019, was part of the club's plan of keeping our talented players together, and this season, Willian has certainly proven his worth to the team.  Like Ramires, Willian would be 32 at the end of this new contract.

A much deserved reward.