Chelsea fans in disbelief as Barca’s £50m Willian swap deal for Malcom is rejected

The Blues' desire for a straight money offer saw them reject the proposal from the La Liga leaders.

Willian has been subject to interest from Barca and Manchester United in recent months but his recent displays have left much to be desired.

Maurizio Sarri has started the 30-year-old in 18 of the club's 21 Premier League matches but he has returned just two goals and four assists.

The Brazilian is being selected ahead of teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi who looks set to leave Stamford Bridge this month, while Cesc Fabregas is bound for Monaco due to his lack of opportunities.

Meanwhile, Fellow countryman Malcom has struggled for opportunities at the Nou Camp this season since arriving from Bordeaux but at 21 would be an investment for the future.


However, news of the rebuff has largely been met with disbelief by supporters from West London.

Taking to Twitter to react to the news, Klickbeats wrote: "Why is Barcelona so obsessed with Willian?!!

"And the more baffling question is why is Chelsea so unwillingly to sell him?!! This is becoming pesky!!"

Referencing the under-used Hudson-Odoi, who has been subject to a fourth bid from Bayern Munich, Raphizzy added: "Willian should go for free we don't even need anytin…..let Odoi take over his place."

Continuing the criticism of Willian, Henry stated: "We don’t want anything! Just come and take him for FREEEEEEEEE."

Ozzy Osman had a alternative view however, slamming some fans for forgetting much of Willian's good work in England.

"Always loved Willian," he said.

"Can't understand some of our fans hate him suddenly now. He's world class and there ain't that many Brazilian footballers like him any more.

"Charismatic player with fantastic dribbling and vision beautiful free kicks. I'll keep him till 2020."

Willian's contract has less than 18 months to run but it remains to be seen whether Barca will return with a second offer as they look to secure silverware during the second half of the campaign.

Asked about the prospect of losing Willian, Sarri denied he has any intention to offloading the attacker.

The Italian said:  “I didn’t receive anything. You have to ask the club. I have no idea. You have to call the club and ask about the market. If you ask me about the market you put me in trouble because I don’t know how to answer.”

"Willian for us is really very important.

“I think he can do better because the potential is higher. But he’s really very important for us so I think it’s impossible for us to lose him in January.”

A striker appears to be top of Chelsea's wishlist in the January transfer window as they seek to secure a Champions League place.

Alvaro Morata's future appears to be central to any in-comings, with Gonzalo Higuain seemingly their main target.

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