Shakhtar Donetsk has confirmed the interest of Chelsea in midfielder Willian. Chelsea are eyeing the Arsenal target as an alternative to Lille star Eden Hazard.

Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin said: "We have no burning desire to sell the player, but in football some things are impossible to avoid.

"If it weren't for our good relationship with Chelsea - and Willian does not hide his intention to test himself in one of the best clubs in the English Premier League - we would insist on the £29m release clause written into the player's contract.

"It is important to understand that we are talking about Chelsea's desire to buy Willian, but not Shakhtar's desire to sell him."