Willian ‘undergoes Arsenal medical’ ahead of free transfer from Chelsea as he prepares to join London rivals
WILLIAN is on the brink of joining Arsenal after undergoing his medical, according to reports.
The Brazilian is braced to join Chelsea’s London rivals on a three-year deal after announcing his departure from Stamford Bridge.
Mikel Arteta has been desperate to land the 32-year-old on a free transfer as he plans to bolster his squad with a limited transfer budget available.
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And after offering a deal worth £100,000-a-week, Arsenal are expected to announce his arrival in the next few days.
The Evening Standard report how the player has undergone his medical with just the final formalities to iron out.
He then took to social media to confirm the news with the message: “Thanks for everything @chelseafc and Chelsea fans!!!”
It is thought Willian has been left “upset and offended” by the way his seven-year spell at Chelsea is ending.
His entourage feel the Blues did not try hard enough to stop him joining rivals Arsenal, only offering him a two-year extension when he demanded a further three years.
Willian’s agent Kia Joorabchian recently told talkSPORT his player has had two offers from Premier League clubs.
And he claimed that five clubs in all were interested in a deal, including one from the MLS.
Lampard admitted he wanted to keep Willian at the club after enjoying a lengthy run in the first team under his management.
The boss said: “In terms of being disappointed, certainly as a club we have done everything we can to explain to Willian.
“Mine and his relationship is very close and I would have no feeling of disappointment if he does move on. He is a fantastic man and a fantastic player.
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“The club have acted very well in this as well. If he moves on I personally will wish him well. That is where we are at.”
Willian made 36 league appearances this season, scoring nine and assisting seven.
He moved to the Blues in 2013 from Anzhi Makhachkala and won five major pieces of silverware including two Premier League titles.