Willian is set to leave Arsenal within the next 48 hours. According to BBC, the Brazilian winger will join Corinthians.
The 32-year-old winger joined Arsenal over a free transfer from Chelsea last summer. Meanwhile, Willian has struggled to find his form at the Emirates. Willian has fallen down the pecking order as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta prefers playing youngsters. Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard, and Reiss Nelson play ahead of Willian at Arsenal at the moment. After talks with technical director Edu, Willian has decided to leave the Emirates Stadium.
Willian has two years left earning £240,000-a-week. Instead of staying at the club for two years or getting a pay-off, Willian will leave the club immediately. Eventually, the termination of his contract would save Arsenal up to £20 million. Moreover, he will take a 70 percent pay cut to return to Corinthians.
Willian had 8 goal involvements in 35 appearances last season in all competitions. Willian believes that leaving Arsenal is the “right thing” to do. Meanwhile, David Beckham’s MLS side Inter Miami were keen on bringing Willian. Moreover Arsenal are working on letting fringe players leave the club.
The winger featured for Arsenal in the pre-season but was not among the first picks. Last summer when Willian joined Arsenal he started the season with two assists in the opening game. Soon as Christmas arrived, Arsenal were in a terrible position in the Premier League. As the season progressed Willian lost his spot in the starting lineup.
Who are leaving Arsenal along with Willian?
Willian is set to leave the North London side. Along with his departure several other Gunners are walking towards the exit door. Hector Bellerin, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sead Kolasinac, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Alex Runarsson are all among the players likely to leave. Crystal Palace want to sign Eddie Nketiah. Everton want to make a move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery wants Hector Bellerin at Villarreal. Kolasinac wants to join Fenerbahce with his former teammate Mesut Ozil.
