Chelsea boss Frank Lampard explains his feeling when confronted with reports about Willian’s imminent departure from Stamford Bridge.

With Arsenal close to completing the signing of Willian from Chelsea on a three-year deal, Lampard said he would not be disappointed if the Brazilian – who is out of their Champions League tie at Bayern Munich on Saturday – were to move on.

“It actually doesn’t matter about disappointment from any party in this situation,” said Lampard. “I haven’t got an answer for you (if Willian will leave) first and foremost, because Willian remains our player at the moment.

“He’s injured for Saturday, and he was injured for the cup final. He would have given everything to play in those games. I know Willian well, I’ve seen him, he’s carried this injury a little bit from the latter part of the restart.

“In terms of being disappointed, certainly as a club I think we have done everything we can to explain to Willian, and mine and his relationship is really close. I would have no feeling of disappointment if he does move on.

“I’ve played with him, coached him, he’s a fantastic man and a fantastic player. I think he will feel like that about Chelsea, I’ll leave him to say his own words. But I don’t want anyone to try and find a negative attitude, because the club have acted very well in this as well.

“I don’t have the answer, if he moves on I personally would wish him well. And that’s kind of where we’re at now.”

And more from Lampard, who admits Willian’s potential departure to Arsenal would leave a hole in the Chelsea squad – but it is nothing they have not dealt with before.

“When a player’s out of contract they have the freedom and the right to go and play wherever they want, so we have to understand that,” said Lampard.

“If they stay in the league and it’s a player of Willian’s quality for instance, then they will go and contribute to that team. I think we have to accept that and move on, I’ve got no problems with that. That’s his right.

“I think he leaves a hole as a player that’s been here for seven seasons, and performed as part of some very successful teams.

“When I came in for this year and we had a very young group and young talents coming back after loans, we had some transitional elements to the whole group. And Willian was one you looked at and relied upon in terms of experience and quality, and he’s shown me that all year.

“But he has his own decisions to make. And we as a club will always want to move forward, no matter what.

“Eden Hazard left last year, but the club continues. You try and work in a forward direction, which I think we have in many ways. And that remains the same whatever player will leave the club.”