Willian Arsenal
Willian Arsenal

Arsenal bought Willian as a free agent during the summer transfer window but the Brazilian has been a major flop so far this season.

The former Chelsea man was one of the star players for Lampard’s side last season but so far, he has only three assists in 13 Premier League games for the Gunners. Willian has a three-year deal with Arsenal but due to his poor form, some rumours claim Arteta might be looking to part ways with him next summer itself.

Willian did feature in that starting XI for Arsenal in their FA Cup clash vs Newcastle United on Saturday and after the match, Mikel Arteta made it clear that he along with the club are ready to give the winger more time to settle down at the Emirates.

“I think he was improving and improving,” said Arteta in his post-game press conference.

“The other day he came on really well against West Brom. He’s been out as well because he was ill, so he’s missed almost two weeks of training and football.

“Today was the first time that he started the game. He had some good moments and he had some other moments that he needed more help sometimes, and some decisions weren’t the best. But we’re going to keep trying with him.

“He shows in training how much he wants it, he had some highlights in the game and it’s about keeping the confidence in him. We know the player he is.

“I think when the team is winning it’s easier [to keep his confidence up] because there is more time to do that process.

“He needs to build the relationship with some players. Today he played in a slightly different position as well. We’ll get there.”

Willian was supposed to be the right-winger who replaced Nicolas Pepe this season but the Brazilian has been equally poor.

The 32-year-old has played in 18 games for Arsenal this season across all competitions and apart from the three assists, he has nothing to show for his efforts.

If Arsenal are to challenge for the top-four this season then Willian will have to up his game in the coming weeks or Mikel Arteta will not hesitate to use young Bukayo Saka down the right-hand side.

As far as selling Willian is concerned, we do not think Arsenal will be too hasty since, despite his poor form, the winger can be a valuable backup to a top-class player.

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