The future of Willian has been up in the air all summer.After the celebrations of FA Cup victory had simmered down at Chelsea, speculation started to surround the future of Willian and whether or not he would remain at Stamford Bridge.It has been well documented that Willian had a mixed relationship with Antoine Conte and reports were rife that Jose Mourinho sought a reunion with him at Manchester United.However, the focus of Willian's future has actually regarded Barcelona this summer.The Blaugrana are continuing their policy of heavy spending over the last year and, according to Sky Sports, launched no less than three bids to try and sign Willian.
Barcelona sign Malcom, not Willian
In the end, Chelsea rejected every single one of them and Barcelona were forced to look elsewhere.
And before they could contemplate focusing on Ousmane Dembele or launching a fourth bid, they decided to hijack AS Roma's move for Brazilian winger Malcom.
Despite Roma fans having congregated at the airport waiting for his arrival, he had a change of heart and signed for Barcelona, seemingly ending the club's interest in Willian.
Chelsea rejected player-plus-cash deal
The move leaves United as the only major suitor for Willian but the player himself will be less keen to leave than before given the arrival of Maurizio Sarri.
Chelsea supporters have always been divided on the Willian situation and a recent development in the saga has only sparked more fan reaction.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea rejected a pay-plus-cash deal of £62 million and Andre Gomes.
Barcelona were reluctant to meet Chelsea's high-price demands and not willing to delay the saga much longer, were keen to throw their want-away Portuguese into the equation.
The news has been met with reaction on Twitter, too, and it's fair to say that Chelsea fans have put their Willian argument aside in the relief they haven't signed Gomes.
Chelsea fans react on Twitter
Check out the reaction below:
That's a little harsh on Gomes, but it can't be ignored that he has struggled badly at the Nou Camp.
If Willian was going to be shipped onto Barcelona, supporters probably would have preferred a larger transfer fee or even a different makeweight.
And it seems Chelsea's lack of enthusiasm for Gomes not only dragged out the saga yet ensured they kept Willian from Barcelona's grasp entirely.
Nevertheless, surely a move to Spain would have been preferable for the Blues compared to selling to a rival in the form of United.
Reports suggest the Red Devils could meet Chelsea's asking price and especially if Anthony Martial leaves Old Trafford this summer.
For the time being, though, Chelsea still have their man and poor Gomes can't find himself a new club.
Do you think Chelsea were right to react £62m and Gomes? Have your say in the comments section below.