Arsenal have irritated Willian by failing to live up Mikel Arteta’s promise of building a competitive side during talks to join after leaving Chelsea, according to UOL Esporte.
Gunners Technical Director Edu and manager Arteta had to convince the Brazilian to move from west to north London. In their talks, they outlined an ambitious project to make the Emirates Stadium outfit competitive in England and on the European stage again.
Arsenal also assured Willian that he would be a key signing of the window and would earn a lucrative wage. Altogether, it convinced him to accept their offer, and joined on a giant £220,000-per-week contract – making him one of the Premier League’s best-paid players.
However, in the last year, Arsenal failed to qualify for any European competition and started the new term with back-to-back defeats. Arteta did not call on Willian against either Brentford or Chelsea, and he has now asked Arsenal for permission to leave.
Corinthians have made Willian’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, aware of their interest, although they have not made Arsenal an offer. The Brazilian side know any move will be difficult due to his wage, yet do not rule out a deal. Instead, they will continue to monitor the situation.
Willian is pushing to leave within a year of his arrival, as Arsenal’s situation and unfulfilled promises irritate the 33-year-old. Ideally, the 70-cap winger would also stay in Europe than return to Brazil. Fabrizio Romano notes Arsenal are working to find a solution for Willian, who has wanted to leave since May, too. But a move to Al-Ahli never got out of first gear.
Is an Arsenal exit for Willian the best outcome for all this summer?
Willian leaving Arsenal this summer is likely best for him, Arteta, the club and their fans. His monstrous wage does not befit a player who provided as little as Willian managed last season. And he is seemingly also unsettled at the Emirates by their unfulfilled aspirations.
Willian scored just once and only offered five assists in 25 Premier League appearances last season. He also only assisted twice in nine Europa League outings, while opening 21 of his 37 games across all competitions. And now has not featured yet in the new league term.
Arteta also admits Willian has not been the player he or Arsenal expected when brought in. He told ESPN Brazil: “Anybody would agree. The expectation we had when we made the decision to bring him to the football club, what he wanted to do, has not been fulfilled.”
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