Corinthians are interested in signing Arsenal misfit Willian, the player’s father has told Globo Esporte, but the finances involved could make a return to Brazil unlikely.
Now, we don’t blame you for questioning the wisdom of handing a three-year, £220,000-a-week contract to a man who celebrated his 33rd birthday a few weeks ago.
But while the disastrous signing of Willian has become a damning symbol of Arsenal’s transfer policy, it shouldn’t be forgotten the former Chelsea hero was one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards as recently as last year.
Willian produced 11 goals and nine assists during his final season at Stamford Bridge, ripping Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to shreds during a dramatic 2-1 victory in June 2020 and handing the title to Liverpool.
Would Arsenal misfit Willian take a major pay cut to enable Corinthians return?
So while the veteran wideman looks destined for a place alongside Andre Santos, Sebastien Squillaci and co in the sprawling pantheon of Arsenal flops, it shouldn’t be forgotten Willian arrived at the Emirates with plenty of Premier League pedigree.
Either way, having failed to recapture his Chelsea form a few miles across the city, it looks unlikely the Brazil international will see out the final two years of his contract having been left out of Mikel Arteta’s match-day squad for Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to his former employers.
But even at 33, Willian is convinced he has a lot left to offer. According to Globo Esporte, the 70-cap veteran would prefer to stay in Europe than follow Dani Alves, Hulk and co back to Brazil.
“Corinthians always wanted him but they didn’t make a proposal,” says Willian’s father.
“It’s difficult – but not impossible.”
It’s understood Corinthians, like each and every club in Brazil, face major financial difficulties following the covid-19 pandemic.
Willian, then, would have to take a massive pay cut if he wanted to rejoin the club where he started his career in 2006.
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