Latest reports claim Barcelona are ahead of Serie A champions Juventus in the race to sign Chelsea forward Willian.

The Brazilian’s deal is billed to expire next summer without any breakthrough in the contract talks between the player and the London club.

But there are fears that Willian could leave for free as Barcelona and Juventus are both keen to snap him up at the expiration of his current contract.

Willian told Evening Standard after Chelsea’s Champions League victory over Lille during the week: “No, no, nothing. [But] yes, I am still relaxed. I am calm, I am relaxed. I wait for the club.”

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard also said he had “no news” on talks. That’s a conversation between Willy, his representatives and the club,” he said in Paris after the match against Ligue 1 club Lille.

“Everyone can see I’m happy with Willy on the pitch.”

According to Calciomercato, the emergence of Callum Hudson-Odoi also questions the future of the Brazilian at Stamford Bridge.

Willian joined Chelsea from Anzi Makhackala six years ago and it has been claimed in the past that the forward was wanted by Pep Guardiola at the Camp Nou before his move to Russia.

Despite his success in England, the Blaugrana have consistently retained a passing interest in the 31-year old and reports in the UK media over the past 18 months linked the club with a €40M for the unsettled star.

It has been claimed that Barca Coach Ernesto Valverde is a big fan of the player and has pushed a move for him, although it may depend on the future of other attacking stars at the club.