According to the Daily Telegraph, Mikel Arteta ‘specifically requested’ Arsenal sign Willian despite his age in ‘news’ that sounds so like spin I’m a little dizzy.

Mikel Arteta may well have specifically requested Willian. Now 32, (his birthday was on Sunday) he still has plenty in the tank and will bring experience to what is likely to be a relatively youthful squad next season.

Still, it’s hard for many to get past the fact that Willian is represented by Kia Joorabchian who, little by little, through his friendship with Raul Sanllehi and Edu (who is also Kia’s client) seems to be taking over Arsenal.

I can’t help but feel this article was designed to put a stop to that chatter which, unsurprisingly, grows with every Kia player Arsenal are linked to.

Willian penned an open letter to Chelsea fans on Sunday confirming he would be leaving the club. It was also reported over the weekend that he was ‘offended’ by the offer placed in front of him by Chelsea before football went on a break. Their refusal to negotiate their offer compounded the matter.

“If his move to Arsenal is completed as expected, Willian will provide Mikel Arteta with a versatile and experienced attacking option who can operate on either flank or in a more central position,” Sam Dean writes in Monday’s Telegraph Sport section.

https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1292783855863304199

“Arsenal have been lacking creativity in recent months, with Arteta able to solidify the defence, but yet to impose the free-flowing attacking football he was expected to oversee.

“It is understood that Arteta specifically requested the signing of Willian, despite the concerns over his age and the length of his contract.”

Willian is expected to be announced as an Arsenal player at some point this week now that he has officially said goodbye to Chelsea.

He will take a weekly paycut to cross London, but the extra year on his contract means his guaranteed earnings will be higher.