Chelsea Transfer News: Juventus Target Willian, Latest on Mohamed Salah Rumours
After being rebuffed in their reported pursuit of Oscar, Juventus will apparently turn their attentions to Chelsea’s Willian as they look to bolster their offensive options.
That’s according to Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, who wrote that the Bianconeri will go after the Brazilian, as a deal for his compatriot looks unlikely. Lewis noted that Juve are keen on Mohamed Salah after his prosperous loan spell in Serie A with Fiorentina.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell admitted he doesn’t see Oscar going anywhere this summer:
Willian has become a vital part of the Chelsea team since making a big-money move from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013.
The Brazilian winger is a regular fixture in this Blues side, surging up and down the flanks with a patented purpose. In addition to his blistering bursts, Willian is a game defender, regularly tracking back to help cover spaces left by Branislav Ivanovic’s forays forward and playing a critical part in making the Blues such a cohesive unit.
Kartik Krishnaiyer of World Soccer Talk believes that the Selecao star is a vital member of this Chelsea squad:
While Willian regularly earns plaudits for his determined work rate, there are some areas in which he needs to improve. Indeed, as noted by WhoScored.com, in Premier League matches last season he ended up with just two goals and three assists, which is nowhere near enough for a player of his calibre.
Willian proved he has the class to make a more telling impact in the final third at this summer’s Copa America, as we can see here courtesy of Sid Celery:
Nonetheless, Willian is probably even less likely to leave the Blues than Oscar. While the latter is often withdrawn from the Chelsea team for the big matches against quality opposition in favour of added defensive steel, the 26-year-old is a regular fixture on the right-hand side regardless.
Mourinho can rely on the Brazilian, and the Portuguese manager places immense value on those kinds of squad members. But one player who looks likely to end up elsewhere is Salah, after Fiorentina revealed the Egyptian does not want to return to the club for the second season of his proposed loan deal.
La Viola released this statement on the club’s official website, insisting they will be taking legal action against the player:
"Following recent developments concerning Mohamed Salah, ACF Fiorentina would like to clarify the following points out of respect for Viola fans.
Through his representative, the player has rejected our improved contract offer and expressed his desire to join another club. He has also informed us that he does not intend to respond to our request for him to report back for pre-season training. As a result of the above, we have placed the matter in the hands of our lawyers so that they may assess all possible courses of action in order to protect the club's rights.
"
As noted by Simon Jones of the MailOnline, the Serie A side had paid to ensure the former Basel star would join on loan for 18 months. But just a third of the way through the deal, Salah seems to have decided he’d like to try his hand elsewhere, with his agent apparently revealing the player “had the power of veto.”
After being on the fringes of the Chelsea first team, Salah lit up Italian football with a dazzling finish to the season with the Florence-based club, as noted by WhoScored:
Given how well Salah played in Florence and how frustrating it must have been sitting on the bench for the Blues, it’s a peculiar decision. At Fiorentina, he was part of a vibrant and settled side and looked as if he would finally live up to the wonderful potential he showcased prior to his move to London.
With so much disturbance to Salah's development since his move to Stamford Bridge, you would have thought the winger would be keen for some long overdue consistency. But with a potential legal case looming, the 23-year-old seems set for another stormy spell in what’s still the infancy of his career.
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