Pranav Nair
Arsenal hold the aces over Manchester United for Willian
According to ESPN Brazil (h/t Express), Arsenal are confident that they have beaten off Manchester United to the signing of Willian.
The Chelsea winger is a free agent this summer. With seven years of experience in the English game, Willian remains a reliable player who still has a couple of good years left in him.
He has played a starring role for Chelsea since the restart as they push for both the FA Cup and a top-four finish. The opportunity to get someone like him for free is not to be scoffed at.
Capable of playing on either flank, he will give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a consistent option out wide. A thoroughly fit player, he has missed just four games due to injury during his Chelsea career.
With just four more days to go on his Chelsea contract, talks regarding a potential extension have stalled.
With both Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner on the club’s rolls, Willian could see his opportunities limited next season. Young winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has expressed his dissatisfaction regarding a lack of playing time. Getting rid of the Brazilian will ensure more chances for the 19-year-old.
According to the report, United have been monitoring Willian’s situation. They believe him to be a good contingency option if they miss out on Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
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Willian had earlier admitted that he and his family are keen to stay on in London. Arsenal will certainly give them the opportunity to do so.
The Brazilian would have added vast experience to a young United squad. However, if we do sign Sancho, no one would mind losing out on Willian to Arsenal.
