Willian confirms Chelsea exit as move to Arsenal edges closer to completion

Willian confirmed his Chelsea exit with an open letter to the club’s fans as his move to Arsenal edges closer to completion.

The Brazilian joined Chelsea in 2013 and won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and a Europa League during his time at the club. He scored 63 goals and provided 62 assists in 339 appearances for Chelsea. This season, he scored eleven goals and provided nine assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. 

The 32 year old decided to leave Chelsea because the Blues were only willing to offer him a two year extension. Willian will join Arsenal on a three year contract worth £100,000 a week. He received more lucrative offers from Barcelona and Inter Miami but was drawn to the project of the North London club as well as the opportunity to work with Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar.

His move to Arsenal is expected to be confirmed next week, according to Fabrizio Romano of Sky Sports. 

He is the fourth highest Brazilian goalscorer in Premier League history. He has provided more assists in the Premier League than any other Brazilian except for Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, another reported Arsenal target.