The Brazilian is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, with no indication that he is going to sign an extension to remain in west London.
A number of clubs have shown an interest in him, particularly Arsenal and Tottenham, while Liverpool were also linked with a move.
Reports earlier this week suggested Willian had spoken to Spurs boss Jose Mourinho - the manager who originally snatched him away from the clutches of Spurs and to Chelsea in 2013.
But Willian has reportedly refuted those rumours.
Brazilian journalist Joao Castelo-Branco tweeted: "Willian completely denies rumour that Mourinho has been in touch recently regarding playing for Tottenham.
"Absolutely no deal even close there."
That has handed Arsenal a timely boost if they are keen to get a deal for the free agent over the line.
Counter claims also suggested this week that the frontman was pondering a three-year contract offer from the Gunners to make the move across London this summer.
And the 31-year-old has stated what he wanted from his next contract, when asked about negotiations with Chelsea and why he had not signed a new deal with the Blues.
He said: "Everyone knows that my contract ends now in a few months, so the renewal is really a difficult thing to happen.
"I think it will be very difficult for me to renew because Chelsea offered me two years, I asked for three and it ended there, we didn't talk anymore, we didn't negotiate anymore."
Willian has openly admitted he wants a three-year contract, which could be his last big deal before he retires, so that would appear to be the only way for Arsenal to get a deal over the line.
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