Willian has been confirmed as an Arsenal player, with the winger signing a three-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian is the Gunners' first arrival of the summer despite Chelsea 's attempts to keep the 32-year-old at Stamford Bridge with an offer of a two-year contract.
Speaking to the official club website, Willian explained his reasons for joining the Gunners and hailed head coach Mikel Arteta.
"[I like] the way they play, everything is amazing - the stadium, and I think that with Arteta, Arsenal have a great opportunity to fight again for titles in the Premier League and in Europe so I'm very happy because of that," Willian told Arsenal Digital.
"I'm excited to start. I can't wait to go on the pitch and do my thing to help my team-mates and to help this club to shine again. That's what I want.
"When I talked to [Mikel], the conversation was good, he gave me confidence to come to Arsenal. He said a lot of good things to me and that's why I have come to Arsenal."
The arrival of Willian is expected to be the first of Arsenal's planned transfers this summer, with head coach Mikel Arteta still looking to strengthen in several areas, including central midfield and at centre-back.
But given the interest from Barcelona - and Chelsea's eagerness to retain the player - Willian's move should be seen as a coup of sorts.
It is understood Arteta personally wanted the winger, with his experience viewed as something which could be hugely beneficial to Arsenal's youngsters.
For Gunners supporters, Willian brings undoubted ability on the pitch, but it is his drive to win - and passion which could make him a real fan favourite, especially in the bigger games.
And they don't come any more important for Arsenal fans than the north London derby.
Willian has proved his liking for matches against Tottenham in recent years - netting in a FA Cup semi-final against the north Londoners in 2017 and also scoring a match winning brace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December 2019.
But four years ago, the Brazilian proved he understood what the derby meant to Chelsea supporters when the Blues drew 2-2 with Spurs to hand Leicester City the title.
Whilst Tottenham raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half at Stamford Bridge in May 2016, Willian was captured looking towards the Spurs fans and pointing at the gold Premier League badge on his shirt which indicated Chelsea's current status as reigning champions.
His defiance and readiness to hit back at the taunting away supporters was ultimately justified as Chelsea fought back to equalise and end their fierce rivals' title challenge.
If Willian can continue his excellent personal record against Tottenham - 11 wins from 19 games in all competitions and six goal involvements during that run - then Arsenal fans will be delighted with their new winger.
