Willian: Arsenal confirm free signing of former Chelsea star on three-year deal worth reported £220,000-a-week

Willian: Arsenal confirm free signing of former Chelsea star on three-year deal worth reported £220,000-a-week

Arsenal have announced the free signing of Willian on a three-year deal following the Brazilian's departure from Chelsea.

The 32-year-old left the Blues as a free agent after failing to agree a new contract and reports claim the Gunners will pay him £220,000-a-week.

Willian won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the Europa League during his seven years at Stamford Bridge.

He will wear the number 12 shirt for the Gunners and manager Mikel Arteta is confident he can have a positive impact.

"I believe he's a player that can really make a difference for us," Arteta said.

"We have been monitoring him for the past few months, we had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions [and] he is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions.

"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."

Willian was keen to stay at Chelsea but the Blues did not offer him the three-year deal he was looking for.

Nonetheless, the Brazil winger left on amicable terms, and penned an open letterto fans last week following his exit.

Willian: Arsenal confirm free signing of former Chelsea star on three-year deal worth reported £220,000-a-week

Willian's fellow Brazilian and Arsenal technical director, Edu, revealed his admiration for the forward upon completion of the deal.

Edu said: "I know him very well, since a long time ago because we've been working together for the Brazilian national team and of course I was following him because he played for another club.

"He has a lot of fantastic attributes as a person, as a football player of course, his character.

"I'm 100 per cent sure that everybody in the dressing room, the fans, myself and Mikel will enjoy having Willian in our side."

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