‘Madness’: BBC pundit suggests Arsenal have taken advantage of big transfer mistake

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Garth Crooks thinks that it is ‘madness’ that Willian has been allowed to sign for Arsenal, as per his comments to BBC Sport.

Willian joined Arsenal from Chelsea earlier this summer, but the deal took Crooks by surprise.

Willian has now made a very encouraging start to life with the Gunners, as he helped them to a 3-0 win over Fulham on opening day.

And Crooks is still shocked that Chelsea have let Willian join Arsenal, as he thinks Frank Lampard’s side may have made a major error.

“Regular readers will know what I think of Willian as a player,” Crooks said.

“I said last season that Chelsea could not afford to lose him. To let him go to London rivals Arsenal, of all teams, was madness and could cost them dearly in the final analysis.

“Against a Fulham side who were out of their depth, Willian produced a debut performance that must have been an agonising watch for his former manager Frank Lampard.

“The Brazilian was merely finding his bearings with a free-kick that flew past Fulham keeper Marek Rodak and hit the post. He left Craven Cottage with two assists under his belt, and a 3-0 victory.

“What have Chelsea done?”

The major reason why Willian opted to move to Arsenal over Chelsea is because the Gunners were prepared to offer him a longer-term contract.

The faith in the Brazilian has certainly paid off so far, and there are hopes that he could play a pivotal role for Arteta’s men this term.

Willian was used in a central playmaking role for Arsenal against Fulham and he seemed to increase the attacking threat of Arteta’s side.

Chelsea actually got on fine without Willian last night, as they also picked up a 3-1 win over Brighton.