Details revealed as Arsenal confirm Willian departure
Details revealed as Arsenal confirm Willian departure
Premier League giants Arsenal have, on Monday evening, confirmed the departure of out of favour attacker Willian.
Gunners woes
The subject of Willian’s future has of course come back to the fore in a major way over the last couple of weeks.
This comes with the Brazilian having not been afforded a single minute of playing time in any of Arsenal’s last six outings (including pre-season).
Willian was brought to the Emirates last summer amid widespread concern on the part of the Gunners faithful, many of whom made clear their feelings that the 33-year-old was past his sell-by date.
Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (right) celebrates scoring his side’s third goal of the game with da Silva Willian during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. (Photo by Ben Stanstall/PA Images via Getty Images)
And, if the ensuing evidence is anything to go by, then it is hard to argue against the validity of such fears.
Willian endured a torrid debut campaign in North London, notching just a solitary goal across 25 Premier League appearances.
Such woes ultimately culminated in the ex-Chelsea man surrendering his place in not only Mikel Arteta’s starting XI, but, at times, his matchday plans altogether.
Corinthians bound
In turn, speculation beginning to mount that Willian was headed towards the Emirates exit door came as little surprise.
And, as outlined above, on Monday night, a definitive development in the saga has been forthcoming.
Taking to the club’s social media platforms, Arsenal have confirmed that their heavily scrutinised attacker has moved on, on a permanent basis.
In a remarkable act of generosity, Willian agreed to simply terminate his contract at the Emirates, forfeiting a rumoured £20 million in wages in the process.
The Brazilian, in turn, has secured a return to his home country, with boyhood club Corinthians:
He had two more years to run on his contract but following positive and constructive recent discussions with him and his team, he will be leaving for a new opportunity with Corinthians in Brazil, where he began his career.
Everyone at Arsenal wishes Willian and his family well for the future.
Best of luck at @Corinthians, @willianborges88 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 30, 2021
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