Chelsea told £16.8 million Willian bid will be enough for Roman Abramovich’s club to land highly rated Brazilian
Roman Abramovich’s friendship with the billionaire owner of Shakhtar Donetsk is the key to Chelsea signing Brazil striker Willian.
Chelsea have not yet submitted a formal bid for the 23-year-old forward but Rinat Akhmetov, credited as Ukraine’s richest man, has personally informed Abramovich that a bid of more than £16.7 million will be accepted. The two men have poured millions into their respective clubs and have been business associates.
It is understood that Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas rejected an opportunity to sign Willian last summer, preferring to pursue other targets such as Juan Mata to reshape his squad.
Villas-Boas has been offered the chance to sign Willian during this transfer window but it is believed he remains undecided over the player’s suitability and wants first to concentrate on other targets.
However, Abramovich is believed to be keen on Willian – who can play as a winger or an attacking midfielder – and could make a bid before the transfer window closes if other potential signings have fallen through.
