Brazil and Chelsea star Willian has been reported absent from training as rumours of a Real Madrid bid for the player continue to grow.
The 29-year-olds no-show comes just a day after Real Madrid offered a £65m bid for the wingers' services.
Los Blancos are still on the hunt for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo after he transferred to Juventus for £99.2m earlier in July.
The Times report that Willian has contacted Chelsea explaining that his absence is due to an issue with his passport, following an extended period off after the World Cup, he was originally expected to return to pre-season training last Friday.
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Blues fans will be wary that this appears similar to the saga of Diego Costa, who eventually forced a £57m return to Atlético Madrid after refusing to play.
Willian initially joined Chelsea in 2013 from Anzhi Makhachkala for £35m, could the offer from Real Madrid have turned his head?
Should Willian leave the South-West London club they would surely have to dip into the transfer market once again as they do not possess a replacement out-and-out winger.
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Chelsea are expected to play 4-3-3 under new boss Maurizio Sarri and so Eden Hazard and Charly Musonda would be the only remaining wingers, with the latter yet to break into the first team.
The Blues take on Arsenal tomorrow in Dublin and just four days later they will face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Words by George Buksmann.
Topics: Football News, Chelsea, Football, Willian, Premier League
