Arsenal winger Willian is in talks over a move from the club this summer, with Brazilian Corinthians leading the charge for signing him.
Arsenal gave the 33-year-old a huge three-year contract last summer to get him on a free transfer from Chelsea, but after his debut season yielded just one goal in 37 games, they are desperate to break ties and avoid paying him for the rest of his deal.
Willian had a wonderful year at Arsenal / Visionhaus / Getty Images
Willian has been told he is free to leave Arsenal this summer, and Fabrizio Romano notes that Corinthians have reached him with a formal offer.
While it is believed that Willian’s preference would be to stay in Europe, he is now believed to be seriously considering returning to his homeland, where the Corinthians are waiting to get him a free transfer.
Although a final agreement has not yet been reached, the Daily Mail notes that talks between Willian and Corinthians are at an “advanced stage”, while The Telegraph also expects the deal to go through soon.
For Arsenal, the only thing that is important is to get rid of 190,000 pounds a week. They are ready to let Willian go on a free transfer just to break the bond with the aging Brazilian but still face the prospect of getting a hefty paycheck to convince him to join the Corinthians, whose proposal will not include any salary in close to his current.
In addition to getting rid of Willian, Arsenal also plan to say goodbye to Lucas Torreira on Tuesday. Uruguayan are expected in Italy to sign a season-long loan to Fiorentina who will serve Arsenal at a hefty £ 1m in fees.
Torreira will join Fiorentina / Pool / Getty Images
Torreira’s departure could start a wave of exits from Arsenal, with Willian, Eddie Nketiah, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Hector Bellerin and Alex Runarsson among those keen to seal moving from the Emirates soon.
As revealed by 90min earlier this month, Arsenal are also prepared to listen to offers for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has clashed with Arteta behind the scenes and would not be blocked from leaving if a suitable offer came.
