Marking an end to Willian’s seven-year stint in the Chelsea FC shirt, the Brazilian’s impending move to Arsenal was officially announced by the North London outfit. The Gunners confirmed Willian’s signing following his Stamford Bridge exit earlier this month.
🆕 New club. New colours. New beginnings.
👋 Welcome to The Arsenal, @WillianBorges88! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/B7Tl01BXLe
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 14, 2020
Willian joins Mikel Arteta’s side on a three-year deal ahead of the upcoming 2020-21 season. The former Chelsea FC man will sign for the Gunners on a free transfer after his previous deal with Frank Lampard’s side concluded at the end of last season.
Failure to agree upon new terms with the Blues had led to the 31-year old attacker stating his desire to leave Chelsea FC this summer. Frank Lampard had been keen on Willian extending his stay at the club beyond this season. The player too had been believed to be wanting to play out the rest of his career for the Blues.
However, Willian had reportedly set his contract demands on a three-year deal being tabled in front of him. Chelsea FC, on the other hand, were reluctant in giving in to their star player’s insistence. The Blues were ready to offer a two-year contract extension at most to the Brazilian international.
Arsenal boss Mikel Areta voiced his delight at having been successful in his pursuit of Willian’s signature. The Spaniard stated that a player of Willian’s ability would have a major impact on the Gunners’ fortunes in the coming years.
“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us,”
“He has the experience of everything in the football world but to still have the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs. I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come.”
