Shock Man Utd approach for former Arsenal attacker leaked, as Chelsea also make enquiry before final decision

Manchester United and Chelsea both made surprise approaches to Brazilian winger Willian after he became a free agent recently, according to one insider.

Willian was on Chelsea’s books between 2013 and 2020 and helped the Blues win two Premier League titles, the Europa League and an FA Cup. He then caused a stir by signing for Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal.

His time at the Emirates did not go to plan though and he was allowed to leave for Brazilian club Corinthians after just one year.

Willian returned to England in September 2022 by signing for Fulham on a one-year contract. He enjoyed a good first season at Craven Cottage, notching five goals and six assists in 30 games as Fulham finished 10th in the Premier League.

But the 70-cap Brazil international ended up leaving Fulham as a free agent recently. That came after the two parties failed to agree on fresh terms.

Crystal Palace and clubs from Saudi Arabia soon became interested, but it was Nottingham Forest who emerged as the early favourites to snap Willian up.

Willian completed a major U-turn on Monday though and Fulham have now confirmed him as one of their players once again. He has penned a one-year deal which includes the option of a further 12 months.Things could have been far different, however. As per ESPN Brazil correspondent Joao Castelo-Branco, who has provided an update on Twitter, Willian could have actually ended up at Man Utd or back with Chelsea.

Man Utd, Chelsea interest in Willian emerges

Castelo-Branco states that the 34-year-old had an offer from Forest, but they were also facing competition from Man Utd and Chelsea for the signing.

Man Utd and Chelsea both made shock contact with Willian’s camp to discuss a potential move.

Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino both decided that Willian could be a good backup winger and were therefore ‘monitoring’ his situation. Although, the reporter does state that he was only a ‘Plan B’, which is why Man Utd and Chelsea did not actually follow up their initial interest with contract offers.

Instead, Willian will aim to continue his good form with Fulham and try to help them build on last season’s impressive finish. The Cottagers will be looking to match their highest ever Prem finish, which was seventh in the 2008-09 season.