Ukrainian Premier League giants Shakhtar Donetsk have rejected Chelsea’s £26 million bid for Brazilian ace Willian, according to manager Mircea Lucescu, Sky Sports reports.
Willian emerged as a Chelsea transfer target last summer after an impressive 2010-11 campaign for Hirnyky.
The Blues then made a formal approach for the Brazilian in the January transfer window. Obviously, Shakhtar rejected the bid.
Chelsea are at it yet again, with Shakhtar willing to part ways with their talented midfielder, but only if the price is right.
“I told Willian he can leave, but only if the right offer is made,” Lucescu told Dolce Sport.
“He’s a great player. Willian was the biggest investment Shakhtar have made in a young player, we have to respect that. He played only seven or eight games in Brazil.”
From there, Lucescu’s comments took an extremely biased turn.
“They paid a lot of money for Hazard but are not willing to pay for Willian, even though he’s better in my opinion,” the Shakhtar boss added.
“Chelsea want to buy a Brazilian but made an offer for the eastern European market. They offered €34million but we don’t think that’s his current value.”
The Europeans champions remain keen on Willian despite having already signed fellow Brazilian Oscar for a transfer fee of £25 million.
The 20-year-old No. 10 completed a medical on Wednesday, and has already been granted a work permit.
In addition, Chelsea have signed the likes of Eden Hazard, as Lucescu was kind enough to mention, and Marko Marin this summer.
The Blues are undoubtedly revamping their attack ahead of the 2012-13 campaign, with the goal of defending their FA Cup and European crowns.
Furthermore, the Blues and owner Roman Abramovich would also love to win the English Premier League title in 2012-13, and the club’s massive summer spending spree confirms that.
How much money will Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich spend this summer?
Manchester City deny Dzeko rumours
Manchester City have denied reports linking striker Edin Dzeko with a move to AC Milan, according to Sky Sports.
Dzeko tallied 14 goals and five assists in 35 competitive matches in all competitions for the Premier League champions last term.
The Bosnian had reportedly agreed to terms with German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich earlier this summer, but the Bavarians abandoned talks with City after signing VfL Wolfsburg striker Mario Mandžukić.
Dzeko’s future at the Etihad Stadium is up in the air at the moment, with City constantly being linked with a move for Arsenal forward Robin van Persie.
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