WILLIAN WILL TAKE US TO THE TOP
Arteta unveils his new Arsenal signing
MIKEL ARTETA has hailed Willian as the leader Arsenal need as they launch an assault on next season’s top four.
The two-time Premier League winner, who lifted last year’s Europa League with Chelsea, has signed a three-year deal worth £220,000 a week after leaving Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.
Arteta said: “He is the character that I want, the kind of player that when things get difficult in the game that wants to take responsibility, wants the ball and wants to win the game for the team.
“It is going to be a really good lift for all the players as well in terms of the quality we are bringing to the squad.”
Willian, 32, also won the League Cup and FA Cup with Chelsea, having previously clinched four titles, three domestic cups and the UEFA Cup with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Arteta added: “As well as bringing a lot of quality he brings something, else that we need, which is winners.
“He has the experience to win almost everything in football but still the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs.”
If head coach Arteta, above, can persuade FA Cup hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay and benefit from Willian’s supply line, Arsenal will have some front three next season.
The Brazilian has come a long way since 2013 when he was being offered to Premier League clubs, having been transfer-listed by troubled Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.
Tottenham had him complete a medical before Chelsea made their move.
Now, though, Willian is ready to write a new chapter in his career.
“I can’t wait to start training and playing with my teammates,” he said. “I decided [to join] because Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world. They have a new project with Mikel Arteta.
“This club deserves to shine again and I want to be a part of this project – to be a part of the Arsenal family is amazing. I have come to try to win trophies. You have to do as well as possible to win every game. I always train hard and go on the pitch giving 100 per cent to help this team to win games and to win titles as well.”
Willian was twice voted Chelsea’s players’ player of the year.
At the Emirates he is likely to become just as invaluable to the Arsenal squad. Not only will he provide the experience as Nicolas Pepe continues to adapt to life in English football, but his versatility will enable Arteta to vary his tactics as the Gunners look to improve on their eighth-placed finish last season.
“I come to help in every position,” said Willian. “I can play on the right, the middle and on the left side as well. So I want to help – in any position. “With Arteta, they have a great opportunity to fight again for titles in the Premier League and in Europe. That’s why I was happy to come.”