Chelsea Rumors: Lampard Ready To Move Forward With Or Without Willian

Chelsea F.C. is still licking its wounds after bowing to Arsenal F.C. in the FA Cup final. One player who did not see action is Willian Borges da Silva, someone who remains unsure of staying at Stamford Bridge. The defeat is unlikely to improve their chances with Frank Lampard admitting it will all now be up to the Brazilian player.

“It is his decision, I haven’t got that answer," Lampard said to reporters (via Goal). "I know the situation at the club’s end. I have a great relationship with Willian, but I don’t actually know what the decision is." he added.

Willian has received multiple offers to play elsewhere, three overseas. There is also an MLS club interested in the 31-year-old winger. In the Premier League, club linked to Willian include Inter Miami, Arsenal and Tottenham. In all, the Brazilian does have options.

Whatever he decides, Lampard will respect Willian's decision. Though he would love to keep the Brazilian at Stamford Bridge, the 42-year-old coach is already thinking ahead. The Blues know they need to shore up their defensive side.

So far, they have already brought in Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech. Other players on their radar include Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Declan Rice. Of the three, no formal offer has been made yet to Bayern Leverkusen for Havertz but anything can happen in the coming weeks. Die Werkself is in no rush and prefers to see the German stay on and finish the season.

Any move they have planned may hinge on what Willian decides. The Brazilian is seeking a three-year deal but the Blues were only open to offering a two-year pact. The chances of Chelsea agreeing to such became lower with the COVID-19 pandemic coming into play.

Regardless, Lampard knows that there is much work to be done. Aside from the defensive side, there is also the goalkeeping problem for the Blues. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero are still around but the Blues are targeting several top goalies.

Among the names mentioned include Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona, Van Oblak of Atletico Madrid and Dean Henderson of Manchester United. Henderson played the last two seasons for Sheffield United and is set to return to Old Trafford soon.