Frank Lampard insists he would wish Willian well if the winger leaves Chelsea and there will be no hard feelings.
Brazil forward Willian is understood to be closing in on a move to Arsenal, with his Stamford Bridge contract expiring after the Blues’ Champions League exploits.
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Lampard wants Willian to stay
Reports on Friday claimed Willian is ‘upset and offended’ at Chelsea’s efforts, or apparent lack of it, to keep him at the club after seven years of service.
However, Lampard insisted Chelsea have ‘done everything we can’ to try to keep the 70-cap Brazilian at Stamford Bridge, but Willian is understood to have rejected the Blues’ offers of a new two-year contract.
“It actually doesn’t matter about disappointment from any party in this situation,” said Lampard.
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“I haven’t got an answer for you (if Willian will leave) first and foremost, because Willian remains our player at the moment.
“He’s injured for Saturday, and he was injured for the cup final. He would have given everything to play in those games.
“I know Willian well, I’ve seen him, he’s carried this injury a little bit from the latter part of the restart.
“In terms of being disappointed, certainly as a club I think we have done everything we can to explain to Willian, and mine and his relationship is really close.
Willian has won two Premier League titles with Chelsea
“I would have no feeling of disappointment if he does move on.
“I’ve played with him, coached him, he’s a fantastic man and a fantastic player.
“I think he will feel like that about Chelsea, I’ll leave him to say his own words.
“But I don’t want anyone to try and find a negative attitude, because the club have acted very well in this as well.
“I don’t have the answer, if he moves on I personally would wish him well. And that’s kind of where we’re at now.”