What’s the story?
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has made Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Willian as his top transfer target in the summer window. The former Chelsea manager is a huge fan of the Brazilian and according to reports from the Daily Star, Mourinho is set to greenlight a £50 million deal for the talented 28-year-old.
The Brazilian has failed to nail down a regular starting spot under Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho is confident of luring Willian to Old Trafford by offering him an eye-watering deal worth £200,000/week.
In case you didn’t know...
The 28-year-old Brazilian was Chelsea’s best player last season, however, he has seen his place being taken by the impressive Pedro under Antonio Conte. Willian thrived under Jose Mourinho and the Manchester United manager is confident of getting the best out the attacking midfielder at Old Trafford.
Should this move happen, it will not be the first time in recent years when a Chelsea superstar joined United. Juan Mata himself was famously let go of by Mourinho in Chelsea. Although Conte might be hesitant to sell to a direct rival, a £50 million bid might force him to reconsider his options.
Also read: Injured Pogba out of Manchester derby says Mourinho
The heart of the matter
Manchester United are never afraid of spending big money in the transfer market and despite spending huge sums of money on Mkhitaryan and Pogba, United’s midfield still lacks the cutting edge of top clubs across Europe. Mourinho is confident that the addition of Willian will have the desired effect onUnited’s midfield.
On the other hand, Chelsea are on their way to a magnificent double and Antonio Conte might be looking to get in some huge names and let go off some players in order to prepare the squad for the rigours of the Champions League next season. Willian's sale might create an opening for Conte to sign a player more to his liking.
What’s next?
Manchester United have a lot of plans for the transfer market, but they will succeed in signing their targets only if they qualify for the Champions League. With United in the Europa League semi-finals and a huge Manchester derby coming up tonight, Mourinho will be determined to finish the season strongly and really challenge for the top prizes in his second season as United manager.
Also read: Chelsea continue FA Youth Cup dominance by thumping City
Author’s take
Willian is someone who Mourinho enjoys working with. Having formed a potent combination at Chelsea, the Portuguese manager is doing the right thing by going after Chelsea’s 2015/16 Player of the year. Whether Antonio Conte will sell to a direct rival remains to be seen.
