Atletico keen to recruit second Chelsea star after Costa in January
Britain Football Soccer - Chelsea v Stoke City - Premier League - Stamford Bridge - 31/12/16 Stoke City's Ibrahim Affelay in action with Chelsea's Willian Reuters / Eddie Keogh Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Atletico Madrid are considering making a bid for Chelsea attacking midfielder Willian, according to El Gol Digital.
The La Liga side will have their transfer ban lifted when the January transfer window opens next month, allowing them to officially sign Diego Costa from the Blues, but Diego Simeone’s side are also reportedly keen on his former team mate.
Willian is still in manager Antonio Conte’s first team plans, El Gol say, but the Italian is seeking to strengthen his attacking options in January. Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha has been mentioned as a possible recruit by the Mirror, but the Evening Standard believe Chelsea are focused on signing Thomas Lemar from Monaco instead.
If the Frenchman or Zaha does arrive at Stamford Bridge, it could lead to Willian’s departure. El Gol believe Atletico are keen to strengthen with both Yannick Carrasco and Nico Gaitan expected to depart the club, and they see the 29 year old Brazilian as a perfect replacement.