Date published: Tuesday 8th September 2020 3:18
The Brazil forward, who turned 32 recently, was out of contract following a seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge.
Kia Joorabchian says “the Mikel Arteta project” was too good for Willian to turn down as he chose to join Arsenal this summer.
The Brazil forward, who turned 32 recently, was out of contract following a seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge.
Willian won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup and the Europa League with Chelsea and said he would depart with his “head held high”.
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There had been lots of speculation that Willian will join Arsenal this summer on a free transfer after the Blues refused to give him the three-year contract that he wanted.
And his agent Joorabchian says he was “very much wooed” by Arteta and the “project” he has planned at Arsenal.
“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 [technical director] Edu, and what Mikel presented to him and the way he wants to play football, the way he wants to continue and the success he wants to bring to Arsenal, made the difference.
“That’s what he said and that’s exactly what it was.”
Arsenal manager Arteta admitted he was impressed by Willian’s desire to join the north London club.
“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us,” said Arteta on the day the club announced Willian’s signing.
“We have been monitoring him for the past few months, we had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions. He is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions.
“He has the experience of everything in the football world but still has the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs.
“I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come.”