The preseason just got it’s kickoff for the Blues as Chelsea started their 2018-19 season against the Australian club Perth Glory. It was Pedro who scored the only goal and Chelsea did the victory lap. No Hazard or Willian was there as the under 17 star Hudson Odoi gained the critic’s attention. Maurizio Sarri joined Chelsea this season as the Italian manager Antonio Conte was sacked. It was the debut match for the veteran manager where he seemed quite satisfying. The Summer window hasn’t been so much interesting for the Blues as Chelsea got only Jorginho added to the squad.
The future of Hazard, Willian and Courtois are still in doubt though the former Napoli manager is still confident about retaining those stars. Hazard is being targeted by Real Madrid by the whole time where Willian is being targeted by Barcelona and Manchester United.
Chelsea need a winger if Hazard leaves the Bridge, where the Blues targeted Anthony Martial in the past few days. Martial had a mediocre season last time where he scored ten times and did five assists. The 22-years-old Frenchman was reported to be disappointed due to lack of enough playing times. Martial got dropped from the main squad after arriving of Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez at Old Trafford.
So it was obvious that Martial would leave the Red Devils where Chelsea thought it may fulfill their needs. Though it seems now this deal may not take place as Manchester United is going to renew the contracts of the Frenchman. Manchester United chairman Ed Woodward is reported to renew the Martial contract until 2020. Jose Mourinho, who initially showed no interests in retaining Martial, now seems to give his positive opinion to retain the winger. On the other hand, the Brazilian winger of the Blues is linked to Camp Nou where Barcelona have put in an improved £64.2m bid for Willian.
The La Liga champions are optimistic to get Willian though Chelsea is not moving from their initial demand of £70m. Chelsea turned down £53m bid last week for the attacker. Willian has been mesmerising at Bridge in his four years span there. It is reported that the new manager at Chelsea Maurizio Sarri has shown no interests to continue with the ageing players in the squad.
Willian is 29-years-old at present and there may be only 3-4 seasons of his prime now remaining in his career as a player. Willian already gave his verbal opinion about his departure from the Stamford Bridge and Barcelona may get the Brazilian winger if they get lucky. Willian has won four major trophies with Chelsea which include the League title in 2015 and 2017 and the fans’ player of the year in 2016.
Rumours say that Manchester United are also keen on Willian though, after the move of Nemanja Matic to Old Trafford for £40m last summer, Chelsea may not allow strengthening their rivals again. On the contrary, Martial is also contacted by Tottenham and Bayern Munich who less than 12 months left on his deal. Though United may not allow his leave.
