Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Arsenal sign Willian on free transfer as winger agrees three-year deal after Chelsea exit

Arsenal have signed Willian on a free transfer following the winger's exit from Chelsea.

The Brazilian has signed a three-year deal worth around £100,000-a-week to become Mikel Arteta's first summer signing.

The 32-year-old's preference was to remain at Stamford Bridge, but long negotiations over a new contract broke down as Willian was looking for a three-year commitment and Chelsea were only willing to offer two.

Arsenal were happy to meet Willian's demands and the winger confirmed on Sunday in an open letter to fans that his seven years as a Blue had come to an end.

It is hoped Willian's arrival will tempt club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to agree a contract extension as Arteta's vision for the Gunners takes shape.

Arteta is understood to be targeting a new centre-back and midfielder, with Lille's Gabriel Magalhaes and Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey among their targets.

Lucas Torreira and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have interest in them and could be allowed to leave.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.