Barcelona ‘revive interest’ in Chelsea star Willian as they look to snap Brazilian up for free after having £40million offer rejected last year

Barcelona are reportedly set to revive their interest in signing Chelsea wideman Willian next summer.

The Spanish champions had originally hoped to secure a switch for the Brazilian international in 2013 before he moved to the Premier League.

And according to Mundo Deportivo, the club could attempt to tie up a deal when Willian’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season.

Several reports stated in the summer that Chelsea had rebuffed a £40million offer for the star from Barcelona, with negotiations even reaching a £60million valuation before collapsing.

Ernesto Valverde has continued to keep a keen eye on Willian’s exploits in London after ultimately missing out on the signing.

The Nou Camp outfit are now understood to be willing to wait until June 2020, when Willian will be a free agent, to secure their long-term target.

According to the same publication, former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola had been interested in securing the Brazilian six years ago – when he had lined up against his side for Shakhtar Donetsk.

The current Manchester City manager instead opted to sign Willian’s teammate Dmytro Chyhrynskyi, whose ill-fated time at Barcelona lasted just one season.

Willian isn’t currently believed to be a priority target, however, with some concerns held over his advancing age.

But a potential transfer without a fee is an attractive proposition for the Spanish giants – and this could counteract any hesitations over the longevity of a deal.

Daily Mail