Arsenal have signed midfielder Willian on a free transfer after his departure from Chelsea, the club announced.
Willian, 32, ended his seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge and signed a three-year deal with the Gunners.
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Earlier this month, sources told ESPN that Willian accepted a contract worth around £ 100,000 a week after talks with Chelsea broke down.
“I believe he is a player who can really make a difference for us,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. “We have been monitoring him in recent months, we had the clear intention to strengthen the attacking midfielder and the forward positions. [and] he is a player who gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions.
“He has the experience of everything in the world of football but still has the ambition to come here and help bring the club he belongs to. I was really impressed with all the talks I had with him and how much he wanted to come. . “
Arteta is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of next season with William Saliba joining them after Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares signed permanent deals in June.
Arsenal’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea – which Willian missed due to an Achilles injury – means they can at least offer Europa League football next season.
Willian won two Premier League titles, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Chelsea.
Arteta’s attempts to strengthen his squad this summer come amid fierce criticism of the club following the announcement that 55 staff members will be sacked.
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