Arsenal close in on Willian deal

WILLIAN has edged closer to joining Arsenal after undergoing a medical yesterday.

The Brazilian, 32, left Chelsea after seven years at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal hope to wrap up a deal to sign him on a three-year contract this week.

His arrival will strengthen Arsenal’s hand as they bid to tie down captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a new contract.

The Gunners are close to agreeing a three-year agreement with the forward, worth around £250,000-a-week.

A key part of Mikel Arteta persuading Aubameyang to stay has been assuring him that Arsenal are ready to compete for honours, and the signing of Willian is an indication of how Arteta is planning to do just that.