Willian is a Chelsea stalwart but can he be lured by move to Arsenal or Spurs

Willian hates Tottenham, so his Chelsea chant goes, in reference to the Brazilian dramatically snubbing the north Londoners before moving to Stamford Bridge in 2013.

Yet that is exactly where he could end up next if he is unable to reach an agreement over a new contract with Chelsea.

Or it could even be Arsenal, an idea fuelled by the growing influence his agent Kia Joorabchian is now having at the Emirates?

As things stand Willian's future is up in the air, well into the final six months of his current deal and with an impasse between him and Chelsea in negotiations

The Brazilian, 32, has admitted he wants a three-year deal and Chelsea are only willing to offer him a two-year extension.

Even that, from Chelsea, is a departure from what has been their policy of recent times, offering only 12-month extensions to players over-30.

The current situation has increased the likelihood that, after seven years of solid service, Willian will be plying his trade elsewhere next season.

His wife Vanessa Martins fuelled suggestions he will be on his way in an Instagram video ahead of Sunday's win against Everton, in which Willian scored, saying: 'Going to game, not been easy, days are numbered... but god is marvellous, good things on the way.'

She further fuelled suggestions that he might be remaining in the capital by cryptically asking their daughter if she likes London.

Willian certainly does and especially Chelsea, though admits the difference of opinion over the length of deal being discussed means the situation is 'not easy.'

By contrast, it is easy to see why there could be mileage in the idea of moves to either Spurs or Arsenal.

Spurs are now led by Jose Mourinho, who brought Willian to Chelsea in 2013 ahead of the first season of his second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

He was one of the mainstays in Mourinho's title winning side of 2014-15, appearing in 36 of their 38 games.

Mourinho's admiration for Willian was underlined when he then tried to take him to Manchester United during his time at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian would tick a lot of boxes for Mourinho, who still intends to target players who can do a job right away, even if Spurs as a club may prefer longer-term options.

Willian may command big wages but his availability on a free transfer will increase his appeal to Arsenal.

The links between his agent Joorabchian, who is close with Arsenal's hierarchy, especially technical director Edu, would also help smooth any potential talks.

Joorabchian has already helped Arsenal, previously reluctant to get close to agents in Arsene Wenger's days, secure the signings of David Luiz and Cedric Soares.

The prospect of losing Willian to one of their closest rivals may force Chelsea into a rethink.

If not, and there is no room for manoeuvre, Chelsea stand to lose an asset who offers plenty.

Willian may still divide opinion among those who make up the Stamford Bridge faithful.

On his day he still has the ability to influence the biggest of games, as proved in Chelsea's excellent win at Spurs this season.

Whether he has his day often enough though is a matter of debate.

What is undoubted is the level of experience he brings. Alongside captain Cesar Apzilicueta who arrived a year earlier, Willian is their longest serving player, with 329 appearances in Chelsea colours under his belt.

Willian's know how is especially valuable when part of a predominantly young group like the one manager Frank Lampard is now working with.

He is respected and well-liked by his team-mates and management alike, with Lampard, Jody Morris and Joe Edwards' attendance at a charity function Willian was holding recently, evidence of the regard he is held in.

'That shows there is a good bond between the player and management,' one source said.

Willian is also described as a 'top guy' with 'no airs and graces'. His presence in the economy section of a flight he took from London during Chelsea's mid-season break, described as one small example of his humility.

Those human qualities will also appeal to Lampard who wants good people as well as players in his squad.

But when it comes to the prospect of him signing a contract it is the time on that deal as much as money that will talk.

With the clock ticking on his current deal, the signs are increasingly pointing to Willian heading for his next destination - even if he might not need to fly to get there.