Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Willian has admitted that he would be 'delighted' to join Chelsea.
The Brazilian star has been linked with an astonishing move to the Premier League giants, with reports on Goal.com that the club were planning a bid in the region of £20 million.
British newspaper The Sun have claimed that Chelsea made an initial bid of £16.7 million for the midfielder, but it was rejected, falling well short of the £29 million Willian has in his contract.
Speaking to the tabloid, the 23 year-old said: "Chelsea are known as one of the biggest and most successful clubs around.
"If a deal doesn't go through, I'll understand. But I hope it happens.
"They have a culture of winning trophies and that excites me. To play for them is a challenge I would accept and enjoy."
If he is able to complete a move to west London, Willian will be the third high-profile Brazilian to head to Stamford Bridge and will team up with fellow compatriots David Luiz and Ramires.
He continued: "I have friends in the Brazil side who play for Chelsea, like David and Ramires.
"All they talk about is the thrill of being in a city like London and playing for a club like Chelsea.
"I've known David since we played together in the Brazil Under-20 side and he talks about what Villas-Boas is trying to build at Chelsea. "
Willian has become one of most highly rated players in Ukraine after helping Shakhtar win the UEFA Cup in 2009 and a Ukrainian league and cup double last season.
