KEY POINTS

  • Arsenal received a formal offer from Corinthians for Willian
  • The former Chelsea standout failed to impress in his time with Arsenal
  • The Gunners have been criticized for their transfer signings and questionable tactics

Former Chelsea standout Willian’s time at the Emirates Stadium could be coming to a close this summer.

Just roughly a week away from the end of the summer transfer window, Arsenal is reportedly in talks with Brazilian giants Corinthians in a free transfer deal.

Willian joined Arsenal on a three-year deal just last year, but he has since been a massive disappointment for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Brazilian winger has only scored one goal in 37 total appearances.

Transfer wizard Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Corinthians have made an official bid to Arsenal for the Brazilian and he also reported that Willian is considering their proposal.

Willian is yet to make an appearance this season as he and two other teammates have tested positive for COVID-19, missing Arsenal’s first two English Premier League fixtures.

The 33-year-old Brazilian has wages of over £150,000 ($204,339) a week, well above what Corinthians can pay him, and any transfer deal will need to have provisions where Arsenal will agree to pay part of his wages.

Prior to the transfer, many have thought that Willian was a “little to no risk” transfer signing due to his experience in the Premier League, but the Brazilian never truly was able to find his place on Arteta’s squad.

The club has been aggressive this summer in signing youngsters across the board and with a massive roster that features the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and summer signee Martin Odegaard, Willian has become an expendable commodity.

Arsenal is under massive pressure to succeed this season after their questionable youth movement during this transfer window.

A season-opener loss to Brentford and last weekend’s 2-0 home loss to the re-debuting Romelu Lukaku and Chelsea only solidified Arsenal fans’ displeasure with the club even further.

Moving Willian off the team will appease a few fans as the club tries to find ways in making the puzzle pieces fit despite them dealing with a ton of players being sidelined.

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