Barcelona Plot to Sign Willian, Ruiz After Chelsea, Napoli Careers

Laliga giants Barcelona have renewed their interest to sign their longstanding target at Chelsea, Willian and Napoli midfielder, Fabian Ruiz when their contracts run out in the summer.

According to a report on Mundo Deportivo, both Willian and Ruiz who will see out their current contracts at Chelsea and Napoli respectively, are yet to accept new contract offers at the clubs, thus fueling speculations that Barcelona are well on course.

Willian, 31, had a £50m bid for him from Barcelona disdained by Chelsea in 2018. And the Brazilian recalls how it transpired.

“The only real official offer I had came from Barcelona, last year, after the World Cup. Barcelona indeed presented an offer to Chelsea but it was rejected,” Willian recalled.

“That was the only actual time I had to discuss something like this with my family, although we really love it here [London]. So there were several factors that helped us in staying.”

Willian will have right to talk to foreign clubs when the next transfer window opens on January 1 but he is atill holding out at Chelsea and summer might be his termination point.

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Chelsea did well to to make him feel more important at Stamford Bridge this season, especially with the number 10 shirt vacated by Eden Hazard and with new manager Frank Lampard making him an influential figure for his young squad.

The Blues however have not yet succeeded in wooing Willian to sign a new deal, and the current situation is very encouraging to Barcelona.

For 23 year old Ruiz, leaving Napoli look the best bet as the Naples side has continued to grapple with internal crisis.

He joined Napoli from Real Betis in 2018 and has acquitted himself well in the Serie A, having scored eight goals in 45 matches – a fine form that has earned him Spain call-up.

Barcelona Director of Football Eric Abidal was in Italy watch Ruiz in Napoli’s 4-1 against home side Lecce in September.