Willian took up his mega-money deal at Arsenal on Friday with manager Mikel Arteta highlighting the 32-year-old’s versatility as a major reason for the club’s investment.
Willian joins on a free following his release by Chelsea, but his wages, reported to be to be £220,000 a week, have become a talking point given Arsenal’s plans to make 55 staff redundant.
The Brazilian has signed a three-year deal and technical director Edu says his signing is the start of a ‘big process’.
In pure football terms, Arteta feels the acquisition is a smart one because Willian can be used in midfield or on the wing.
‘He’s a player who can really make a difference for us,’ Arteta said. ‘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 who gives us a lot of versatility. He can play in three or four positions.
‘He has the experience of everything in the football world but still has the ambition to come here and contribute to take 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.’
Willian will wear the No 12 shirt at the Emirates, where his ambition is to win the Premier League title to go with the two he collected at Chelsea. He was part of the Blues squad who thrashed Arsenal 4-1 in last year’s Europa League final.
‘I decided to join because Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and because of the new project with Arteta,’ he said. ‘This club deserves to shine again and I want to be a part of this project. With Arteta, Arsenal have a great opportunity to fight again for titles in the Premier League and in Europe.
‘He gave me confidence to come to Arsenal, he said a lot of good things to me, and that’s why I have come to Arsenal.’
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