Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is “very confident” Willian will stay at Stamford Bridge and not depart for Barcelona before the August 9 transfer window deadline.

The Blues midfielder reported back to club duty late following the World Cup in Russia while speculation linking him with Blaugrana and Manchester United hasn’t gone away.

However, the 29-year-old is in line to feature during Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley and met with Sarri on Thursday.

“There is not a Willian problem,” Sarri said. “I spoke yesterday with him about his lateness, not about his future. It was a very positive conversation. I am happy about it.”