Arsenal have been one of the clubs really interested in signing Chelsea winger Willian who is set to be a free agent this summer.
A number of big European clubs have shown interest in signing the Brazilian but he had recently claimed that he should not have any major problems in joining a direct rival in the upcoming season.
‘It really is a hard decision,’ the winger has said some time ago.
‘I identified myself a lot at Chelsea, I have a lot of love for everyone at the club, and the fans. However, it is like I said before, if I leave Chelsea with no trouble and leaving the doors open, it would be fine to move to a rival club.’
This statement immediately put not only Arsenal but also a Jose Mourinho managed Tottenham Hotspur in the front of the queue.
But now as per Mirror’s John Cross, the Gunners might be reconsidering their decision to sign the 31-year-old.
Mirro’s chief football writer claims: “Arsenal were ready to give Chelsea forward Willian a £250,000-a-week contract before the coronavirus pandemic struck.
“It will be interesting to see whether Arsenal follow through with a deal for the 31-year-old Brazilian who becomes a free agent this summer because of the financial implications and current spotlight on the transfer set-up at the club.
“Free agents generally get bigger deals but Arsenal may struggle to hit that figure now.
“One expert believes contracts for run-of-the-mill free agents could drop by 50 per cent and even better ones like Willian, Jan Vertonghen and Adam Lallana could get 25 per cent less.”
Willian plays on the right-wing and Arsenal already have Nicolas Pepe who operates down that side so, at least on paper, Mikel Arteta can do without him.
But we all know how poor Pepe has been so far this season and a player like Willian might be the perfect person to unlock defences.
Mesut Ozil currently earns £350000-per-week at the Emirates and if the manager can sell him off then making a move for someone like Willian should not be a major problem for Arsenal.
Despite on the verge of being a free agent, Willian has been an integral part of Chelsea’s first-team plans this season, scoring five and assisting five goals in 29 Premier League.
