Former Chelsea winger Willian became Arsenal's first big-name signing of the summer transfer window last week, joining the Gunners on a three-year deal.
After expressing his desire to stay in the Premier League following his release by the Stamford Bridge club, the Gunners made their move to land the Brazilian.
Willian's arrival at the Emirates Stadium will offer Mikel Arteta a new dimension to his attack, with the former Anzhi Makhachkala star being renowned for offering a turn of speed as well as an eye for goal.
As well as his desire to remain in the Premier League being a key factor in his decision to make the switch across the capital and join Arsenal, who discovered yesterday that they will face Fulham on the opening day of the 2020/21 Premier League season, Willian has also now revealed that the prospect of playing alongside Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a big part of his decision.
The Gabon international has established himself as one of the best strikers on the planet over the last few years, something he once again proved during the 2019/20 campaign, netting 29 goals in all competitions.
"I joined Arsenal because we can challenge for titles but Pierre will be a big part of the plan," Willian told The Sun.
"He has to stay — it is very important to me.
"This is a guy who gets 25-30 goals a season and we have to keep a player like that.
"He's one of the best players in our team and somebody I want to be making chances for."
With that in mind, Aubameyang being an Arsenal player seems to have played a big role in Willian's decision-making, suggesting that the former Borussia Dortmund star could be staying at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Aubameyang is out-of-contract in North London next June and is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, though it only seems to be a matter of time before he does.
Following the Gunners' FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea earlier this month, Arteta reiterated his confidence that his star striker, who scored both goals against the Blues at Wembley, would remain at Arsenal for the foreseeable future.
Arteta explained: “He knows what I think about him.
“I want to build a squad around him, I think he wants to stay.
“It’s about getting the deal done, but I think moments like that will help him to realise and to believe that we are on the right path and he’s a big part of it.
“He’s loved by everybody at the club, so hopefully he can continue with us.”
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