Arsenal have signed midfielder Willian on a free transfer after his departure from Chelsea, the club have announced.
32-year-old Willian ended his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge and signed a three-year deal with the Gunners.
The Blues had offered the player a new deal but were unwilling to match what the Gunners had on the table.
Arsenal Boss, Mikel Arteta, said, “I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us.”
“We had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions.”
“He is a player that gives us a lot of versatility – he can play in three or four different positions,” added Arteta.
Despite his advancing years, Willian enjoyed the most productive season of his career in the 2019/20 campaign, scoring nine times in the Premier League and proving particularly influential after the season restart.
Willian made 339 appearances for Chelsea after signing from Russian side, Anzhi Makhachkala, for £30m in 2013.
He won five major honours with the Blues, including two Premier League titles and the Europa League, and was voted the club’s players’ Player of the Year twice.
In making the switch from SW6 to N5, Willian joins a list that includes former teammate David Luiz, Petr Cech, Yossi Benayoun, Lassana Diarra, William Gallas, Colin Pates, Stewart Houston and George Graham. He also becomes the third Brazilian in the first team squad.
Willian, who will wear the number 12 shirt, will join up with his new teammates in a couple of weeks as they start their preparations for the 2020/21 season.
We look forward to seeing what he brings to the squad.
