€80m-man Willian ‘crazed’ at the prospect of joining Barcelona — report

According to Barcelona-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo, possibly wantaway Chelsea winger Willian is “crazed” (in a good way) at the possibility of joining the Catalan giants this summer. It would apparently be the fulfillment of a long-standing dream, one that doesn’t have much time to become reality as he approaches 30 years of age.

Of course MD would probably claim such dreams for any Barcelona transfer target, real or imagined.

In any case, there are still two years left on Willian’s contract with Chelsea, so leverage is on our side, even if he does want out (regardless of Conte’s future). As per the report, Chelsea want €80 million (approx. £70 million) for Brazilian international.

One of Willian’s agents, the familiar Kia Joorabchian is working to make that outrageous arrangement happen. Barcelona apparently see Willian as a good fit, with his direct style complementing Barca’s passing tendencies.

Needless to say, the €80 million asking price is probably too steep. But there should be a halfway point at which the two sides can meet, between that and the €56 million reportedly offered by Barça already.