Willian: I think it's difficult to stay at Chelsea

Chelsea attacking midfielder Willian has refused to rule out the possibility of leaving the London club in the off-season, after admitting negotiations over a new deal have been "difficult".

The two-time Premier League winner is settled in London, leading to speculation that a cross-town switch to rivals Tottenham or Arsenal could be possible if a Chelsea stay is deemed unworkable.

That scenario now appears to be increasingly likely, with online publication Football London recently describing Willian's contract situation with Chelsea as 'dead in the water'.

And that could well be correct after Willian's most recent interview.

"It's a difficult situation because Chelsea offered me two years and they are not going to change what they offered. I said I wanted three more years," the winger told Esporte Interativo.

"The situation is difficult because of this. I really don't know if it will be possible [to stay]. My goal is to continue working and focus on the remainder of the season so that Chelsea can continue winning games.

"I have a clear head and I'm focused for the rest of the season that we have left. I think it's difficult [to stay]. Let's see what happens."

Frank Lampard, who is a huge fan of the Brazilian, faces a difficult call over renewing the 31-year-old's deal and would be loath to lose him to a cross-city rival.

Chelsea have a month to come to a temporary agreement with the Brazilian over extending his stay as the Premier League have set a cut-off date of June 23 with Willian's contract expiring a week later.

FIFA's guidelines have encouraged clubs and players to come to temporary agreements but even if a short-term deal is agreed, the player's long-term future looks uncertain.

- TEAMtalk media