Chelsea have been heavily linked with the Lazio star this summer, although the player is understood to prefer a move to Italy.
Chelsea’s Willian in action
The Daily Mirror has claimed that Brazilian playmaker Willian still has a future at Chelsea, even if incoming boss Antonio Conte is successful in his pursuit of versatile midfielder Antonio Candreva.
Candreva is currently part of Conte’s Italy squad at Euro 2016 and has been in impressive form for the Azzurri, who are already through to the knockout stages of the tournament having won their opening two group games.
The 29-year-old can play on either the right or in the centre of midfield and has been a key man for Lazio in recent seasons, having scored at least 10 league goals in each of the last three campaigns.
Italy’s Antonio Candreva in action
His quality shone through once again during Italy’s 2-0 win over Belgium, where he provided a superb assist for Graziano Pelle’s stunning late strike.
Conte is subsequently keen to take Candreva with him to west London, but reports suggest any potential arrival will not affect Willian’s Stamford Bridge future, with the club’s player of the year already expressing his excitement at working with the former Juventus boss.
Italy head coach Antonio Conte is keen on taking Candreva with him to Stamford Bridge
He recently told the club’s official magazine: “I hope he [Conte] does well with Italy at the Euros and can come to Chelsea happy.
“Of course, he’s a great manager so I think he will come here and help us and I’m sure he will want to win titles here with us.
“We have to get back to playing with confidence in every game and the new manager will help us with that, so I can’t wait for next season.”
Soccer: 2016 Copa America Centenario-Brazil at Haiti
However, a move for Candreva is far from a done deal for Conte, with Lazio’s Serie A rivals Inter also expressing an interest.
According to Football Italia, the midfielder would prefer a move to the San Siro, although the incoming Chelsea may feel he can persuade him to move to the Premier League.
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