Willian Joins Arsenal In Three-Year Deal

Arsenal have officially completed the signing Willian in a three-year deal after turning a free agent on the expiration of his contract with Chelsea. 

Leaving his former club was necessary for the Brazilian because of the breakdown of talks over contract renewal from which he demanded a new three-year deal to stay. That demanded could not be met by the club where he had spent seven years. 

Initially, Arsenal were not alone in the race for the midfielder's signature but other contenders like Real Madrid and Tottenham later dropped out, leaving Arsenal in the pole. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the newly-signed as a player that "can really make a difference" in his team and can also help improve in the "attacking midfielder and the winger positions."

Arteta added, "He has the experience of everything in the football world but still has the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs. I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him."

Willian missed out in Chelsea's FA Cup final match which Arsenal won by 2-1 for their first silverware in three years since former head coach Arsene Wenger left the club. He joined Chelsea from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala for a fee of £30m in 2013.