Corinthians president Andrés Sanchez admits they're interested in Chelsea midfielder Willian.
Willian comes off contract in June and has admitted negotiations over a new deal has hit a roadblock. The Brazil international, now aged 31, says he's been seeking a new arrangement which is three years long, while Chelsea's latest offer is for two years. As such, talks appear to have hit an impasse, with Willian conceding his future may lie beyond Stamford Bridge.
Currently in Brazil during the UK's coronavirus suspension, Willian is considering his future. And formative club Corinthians, where Willian came through as a youth teamer before turning professional, have expressed interest in keeping him in the country when he comes off contract.
Corinthians president Sanchez says the doors are open to Willian, where he spent over nine years from 10 years of age before leaving for Shakhtar Donetsk in 2007.
Aware of the midfielder's situation, Sanchez insists should Willian choose to return to Brazil, it will be to join Corinthians.
He told Fox Sports via Le 10 Sport: "If Willian wants to return to Brazil, his priority will be Corinthians.
"The club will be interested. We could pay him a little more than what we normally offer, but less than what he currently earns."
Indeed, Sanchez admits Willian will have to accept a major cut on his current Blues salary if he is to return to Brazil.
He added: "I do not agree to pay a player €278,000 and another €88,000. It would not be fair. He can't earn more than Cassius and Fagner, who are also national team players. The doors are open."
- updated April 27
