Arsenal have confirmed the highly anticipated signing of Willian on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract at Chelsea.
The 32-year-old, who spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, has signed a three-year deal with the Gunners which is expected to worth near £100,000-a-week.
Mikel Arteta is understood to have had input in bringing the Brazilian to Emirates Stadium with his experience highlighted as a key reason for the transfer, having made over 600 club appearances in his career.
It has also been confirmed that Willian will wear the number 12 for Arsenal which was last worn by Stephan Lichtsteiner in the 2018/19 season.
“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us," Mikel Arteta told Arsenal.com about the new signing.
"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."
Arsenal's technical director, Edu, who has a long-standing relationship with Willian's agent, Kia Joorabchian, outlined the qualities he has seen the 32-year-old display for the Brazil national team.
“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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