Conte has generally picked Pedro ahead of Willian this season, much to his ire (Picture: Getty)
Conte has generally picked Pedro ahead of Willian this season, much to his ire (Picture: Getty)

Antonio Conte is close to forcing Chelsea star Willian out of the club as the Brazilian runs out of patience with his limited role, according to reports in his homeland.

The 29-year-old has only started six Premier League matches this season – and is yet to score – and has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge since the summer, with Manchester United muted as a potential destination.

And now Brazilian website UOL claims that Willian is so frustrated with his situation at the club he ready to force through an exit – unless Conte leaves the club first.

Willian has been linked with a reunion with old boss Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

Willian is reported to love life in London, and has great affection for both Chelsea and the club’s fans, and that is the only reason why he has been so patient about his increased time on the bench recently.

But that good will can only last so long and he is now increasingly resigned to leaving unless one of two things happens.

Either Conte starts to give Willian – who was involved in all four of Chelsea’s goals against Qarabag in midweek – more starts, particularly in big games, or the Italian leaves the club.

There have been plenty of rumours about Conte’s future, with relations between himself and the club’s board thought to be particularly tense at the moment, while AC Milan and Italy have been credited with interest.

David Luiz warms up for Chelsea.
Willian is not the only player to fall out with Conte, with David Luiz also involved in a bust up (Getty)

One source close to Willian tells UOL that the Brazilian almost left the club in the summer, and is now waiting to see if Conte is staying before pushing again for a departure.

Nevertheless, despite his unhappiness over his lack of pitch time, Willian is said to be a model professional around the club and still has good relations with everyone, though it will concern fans that Conte has alienated David Luiz and now Willian too.