According to a recent report by Sky Sports, Arsenal have offered a three-year contract to Chelsea playmaker Willian this summer. The same source has also stated that the Gunners have put themselves to the front of the queue in the race to recruit the Brazilian winger during this summer transfer window.
Willian’s Fruitful Season At West London
The 31-year-old enjoyed another outstanding season at Stamford Bridge after producing a run of productive displays as a key component of Frank Lampard’s attack. He banged in 11 goals and provided nine assists in 47 matches for the Blues last season across all fronts showcasing just how influential he has been in the final third.
Willian has done well to average 1.2 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.9 shots, 2.2 key passes and 2.2 dribbles per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. He has even taken care of the ball well when distributing it after completing 82.7% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Chelsea star has also earned 69 senior caps for the Brazilian national side, scoring nine goals for his country in the process. Maybe a summer switch to the Emirates Stadium could provide him with a chance to maintain his excellent standards at the highest level so that he can retain his place in Tite’s Brazil squad for next year’s Copa America.
What Will The Experienced Brazilian Bring To The Table?
Willian has lost a yard of pace from his game over the past few years, but can still be a constant menace for the opposition due to his clever movement, trickery and creativity in the final third. He can unleash a powerful strike from long-range and has got the vision to pick out a killer pass in and around the opposition penalty box. The South American sensation is a set-piece specialist as he possesses the ability to find the back of the net from a dead-ball situation in the offensive end of the field.
Is Willian The Right Fit For The Gunners?
Willian’s quickness, coupled with his creativity and goal-threat, make him an excellent fit for any of his potential suitors including Arsenal. He will not only bring more goals and assists to the Emirates Stadium but also improve the quality of Mikel Arteta’s first-team.
Furthermore, Willian will provide some healthy competition for the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson, Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a first-team spot at North London next season. All in all, he will be an ideal fit for Arteta and could help the Gunners close the gap to the Premier League’s Top Four in the coming seasons. At 31, Willian still has some time left in his locker to play at a high level which the London giants could look to benefit from over the next few years.
