Super-agent Kia Joorabchian says Willian was won over by Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal boss explained his vision for the club.
Willian left Chelsea at the expiry of his contract this summer and put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Gunners last month.
The 32-year-old had been keen to extend his seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge but looked to leave west London once it became clear the Blues would only offer him a two-year contract.
Nonetheless, Joorabchian insists his client's move to the Emirates Stadium was about more than money, claiming Arteta's exciting plans for Arsenal were key to getting the deal over the line.
"With Willian, there’s no secret he wanted a three-year contract, but the Mikel Arteta project was just incredible," Joorabchian told talkSPORT .
"He was very much wooed by Mikel and Edu, and what Mikel presented to him and the way he wants to play football and the way he wants to continue and the success he wants to bring to Arsenal, made the difference.
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"That’s what he said and that’s exactly what it was."
Willian scored 63 goals in 339 Chelsea appearances and helped the Blues win five major honours, including two Premier League titles.
And just as Willian was impressed by Arteta's mindset, the Gunners boss was drawn to the Brazilian's attitude during their first meeting.
"I want players who are optimistic and willing and they want to win for our club," Arteta said. "That is the feeling I got from the first day I met Willian.
"He is not satisfied with what he has done in his career, which is a lot, and he is going to bring some special qualities for our team."
The Gunners kick off their Premier League season with a trip to Fulham in the lunchtime game on Saturday.
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