Chelsea Set To Replace Willian With Surprise Premier League Star

Last season whilst Chelsea were having a wretched defence of their Premier League title pretty much the whole squad underperformed perhaps other than Willian but now the Chelsea winger is set to leave.

The Brazilian joined the Stamford Bridge club from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 in controversial circumstances when Chelsea nipped into sign him at the last minute whilst he had a medical with Spurs.

Willian

_{The winger has only started 13 games this season in the Premier League. PA Images}

Under Jose Mourinho in their title winning season and then awful defence of that title he became an important member of the first team.

However the move to 3-4-3 hasn't benefitted the 28 year old with Eden Hazard and Pedro mostly preferred in the wide attacking roles.

Several papers today say that Willian will be moved on in the summer by Antonio Conte to make room for new players. The player being linked to replace him is West Ham United's Michail Antonio.

_{Is Antonio a future Chelsea player? PA Images}

Antonio is said to be unhappy at the London Stadium due to the wages being offered to him and thinks signing on low wages initially is being held against him, reportedly.

The winger would be a sensible option to replace Willian for several reasons, the first of which being that his home grown status will help with the club losing John Terry at the end of the season.

_{Could Willian and Mourinho have a reunion? PA Images}

Antonio can play either on the wing or as a wing-back and provide competition for Victor Moses, who was on loan at West Ham before his surprisingly successful return to Chelsea.

Willian won't need to worry too much about finding a club as there is likely to be several suitors for his services, most likely Manchester United.

Having worked with the player before Jose Mourinho has previously been linked with a move for his former signing at Old Trafford.

Of course if he doesn't fancy the move to the North West then there's a very good chance there's a Chinese Super League team with a cheque with his name and a lot of numbers on!

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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