Arsenal winger Willian is expected to leave the club this summer after only one season at the Emirates. Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the former Chelsea man looks set to follow his compatriot David Luiz out the door as Mikel Arteta shifts his focus towards developing the youth at his disposal instead of placing his faith in experience.
If Willian is indeed to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, it would spell the end of a hugely underwhelming campaign in north London for both the club and the player.
Willian Expected to Depart Arsenal This Summer
The Brazilian Joined From Chelsea in August 2020
Willian has only been a member of the Arsenal squad for nine months. Eyebrows were raised over the club’s acquisition of the Brazilian from Chelsea last August after it became clear that the player would not renew his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The reason the winger turned down an extension at Chelsea was because the club were unwilling to give him a new three-year contract, instead only offering a two-year deal to a player in his thirties.
Arsenal, however, were willing to meet his demands, so Willian made the move to the Emirates from the Gunners’ London rivals. After a promising start to his fledgling Arsenal career – Willian had a hand in all three goals as Arteta’s side won 3-0 at Fulham on the opening day of the Premier League season – the player’s time at the club swiftly turned sour, and the 32-year-old now looks set to depart only a third of the way through his contract.
MLS Interest in Willian
Although there is reported interest in Willian from other clubs in Europe, Major League Soccer may represent an interesting next step in the Brazilian’s career.
Inter Miami were keen to sign the player last summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, only for Willian to choose Arsenal instead. David Beckham’s newly-established club could revive their interest twelve months later, and Willian would be managed by former England Women boss Phil Neville were he to join.
Where the former Chelsea star does head next remains to be seen. What is certain is that his short Arsenal career has so far gone down as a huge disappointment.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
