CHELSEA boss Frank Lampard has confirmed the club are in talks to extend Willian’s stay at the club beyond the end of the season.
The news will come as a blow to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal who are both believed to be monitoring the winger’s situation at Stamford Bridge.
Willian followed team-mate Pedro in agreeing a short term deal to stay at Chelsea for the extended season.
The Brazilian will then be available on a free transfer, but Lampard is “confident” that he will stay at the club for longer.
Speaking to the media ahead of Chelsea’s home tie against Manchester City, Lampard said: “Yeah we are still talking with the players, and Willian in particular we are talking with him.
“I always felt confident they [Willian and Pedro] would remain, they’ve been fantastic professionals for the club, and servants in all senses.
“And when you have that level of professionalism within you, I think it’s a sign that they wanted to stay and see out the season at least.
“So we’ll carry on talking and see.
“But I think everybody’s focus now is on these next games, these individuals themselves and us as a club.”
Asked if a strong end to the current campaign could convince Willian to sign on for more at Stamford Bridge, Lampard added: “I really don’t want to get into beyond this season.
“I want Willian to play his best football for the next nine or however many games we have this season depending on the cup run.
“And that’s it. And behind the scenes we can talk. I get on very well with Willian himself, the club get on very well with Willian too.
“So we’ll see what happens with that one.”
On securing both Willian and Pedro until the end of the extended campaign, Lampard added: “I’m pleased. Negotiations were relatively easy, because both sides wanted the same thing.
“The two players wanted to make sure they could see the season out with us.
“At this point we need them in the squad they are both important players for us, so I’m happy.”
