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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Martin Keown gives verdict on Arsenal's transfer link with Chelsea star Willian

Willian is aiming higher than Arsenal and will look to secure a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona claims former Gunner Martin Keown.

The Brazilian is set to leave Chelsea this summer with his contract winding down.

Arsenal have been linked with the winger who has spent the last seven years in London.

The Gunners are eyeing free transfers and swap deals in the summer due to the financial affects of the coronavirus.

But Keown believes Willian is an "incredible talent" and will eye a move to Spain instead of north London.

"I don’t see him going to Arsenal," Keown told talkSPORT. "I think he’s aiming for Barcelona or Real Madrid.

(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

"He’s an incredible talent. Chelsea will be weaker if he goes but Frank Lampard knows what he’s doing. I’m sure he wants to keep him."

Barcelona have previously been interested in Willian and had bids for the player rejected by Chelsea.

Willian has started 21 times in the Premier League despite the Blues not offering him a new deal.

The 31-year-old has won the league title as well as the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Willian turned his back on Tottenham at the last minute to join Chelsea in 2013.

Mikel Arteta is planning for his first summer as Arsenal boss (Action Images via Reuters)

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But he admits he would have no problem joining one of the Blues' rivals when he makes his next move.

"It really is a hard decision," he said. "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."

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