Willian Signs with Arsenal

Willian is switching sides

The 32-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and midfielder, whose full name is Willian Borges da Silva, has signed with Arsenal on a free transfer after his departure from Chelsea.

Willian

Willian ended his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge and signed a three-year deal with the Gunners.

Willian’s deal is worth a reported £220,000-a-week.

“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “We have been monitoring him for the past few months, we had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions, [and] he is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions.

“He has the experience of everything in the football world but to still have 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 and how much he wanted to come.”

Arteta is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of next season. William Saliba joined them after Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares signed permanent deals in June.

Arsenal’s FA Cup final victory over Chelsea — which Willian missed because of an Achilles injury — means they can at least offer Europa League football next season.

Willian won two Premier League titles, the Europa League, the FA Cup and the League Cup during his time at Chelsea.

Willian Agrees to Five-Year Deal with Chelsea

Willian Borges da Silva’s move could be called a case of “From Russia with Love”…

The 25-year-old Brazilian soccer star, commonly known as Willian, has signed a five-year contract with Chelsea.

Willian

“I’m very happy to be here, it’s been a dream of mine to come and play here,” the Blues’ latest addition said in comments posted on Chelsea’s official Web site.

The attacking midfielder was picked up from Russia’s Anzhi Makhachkala for 32 million pounds ($49.6 million).

The Chelsea faithful got a good look at Willian in 2012, when he scored two goals for visiting Shakhtar Donetsk in a Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Shakhtar sent Willian to Anzhi Makhachkala in January for a transfer fee of 35 million euros ($47 million).

Tottenham Hotspur brought Willian to London earlier this week for a medical ahead of Spurs’ expected signing of the star, but Chelsea snatched the midfielder away from their Premier League rivals.

Willian is Chelsea’s fourth acquisition during the summer transfer window, which closes September 2, and Blues manager Jose Mourinho signaled last week that the club was still in the market for new talent.

On Tuesday, Mourinho gave Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney 48 hours to decide if he wants to leave Old Trafford from Stamford Bridge.