Arteta's 'Incredible Project' Sealed Arsenal Deal For Willian

Willian Borges da Silva is now trying to blend in with Arsenal FC with most believing it was the three-year deal that sealed it for the Gunners. But it appears there is more to the story.

According to the Brazilian' agent Kia Joorabchian, it was Mikel Arteta's "incredible project" that sealed the deal for the Gunners. The three-year deal worth roughly $286,00 a week was lucrative but it was the plans of the Gunners manager that convinced the 32-year-old to sign on the dotted line.

“With Willian, there’s no secret he wanted a three-year contract, but the Mikel Arteta project was just incredible,” Joorabchian said to 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."

Willian's agent also answered other things linked to his client. That included a potential move from Anzhi Makhachkala to Tottenham in 2013. As most know, Willian ended up going to Chelsea instead.

"Yeah, but that was a bit of a different story because the clubs – Spurs and Anzhi were in a conflict over a solidarity payment, and then Anzhi pulled the plug," Joorabchian explained. “So it was a different story [to what was reported]."

To recall, Willian stressed that he wanted a three-year deal when he was still at Stamford Bridge. The reason seen behind this is that the Brazilian knows this may be the last time he may get a chance at a lucrative deal.

Unfortunately, the Blues stood on their decision to offer players over 30 no more than two years. However, there were suggestions that Chelsea could make an exception. Those speculations never prospered and Willian made the switch to play for Arsenal FC.

Other clubs who expressed interest in Willian include Barcelona, Inter Miami and Manchester United. In the end, Arsenal had the best offer and the reason why he is looking forward to starting fresh with the Gunners. The 32-year-old footballer makes his debut for Arsenal against Fulham this weekend.