Arsenal: Willian ‘100% leaving’ in summer transfer window

Arsenal have received the most welcome news of the summer to date as Willian is now listed as ‘100%’ certain to leave the club in the transfer window.

Across the fanbase there are numerous splits on certain players. This is the case for almost every club where individual preference takes precedence and some individuals are either deemed not good enough or unfairly mistreated.

With Willian, however, there is no split. His signing has been the disaster of the season beyond just his initial arrival as what followed put a stain on Mikel Arteta’s first full campaign in charge of the club, and constituted his biggest mistake since taking the job.

The buzzword of the summer has already become ‘ruthless’, a word that Arteta opted to use to describe what would take place before the 2021/22 campaign kicks off, and it appears as if he is sticking to his word. At least so far.

https://twitter.com/podcastherewego/status/1397561201157083138

Willian ‘100% leaving’ Arsenal in summer transfer window as Fabrizio Romano insists Mikel Arteta disaster will end

Previously revealed that Willian was ‘expected’ to leave north London after one miserable term with the Premier League side, Fabrizio Romano has gone one further from his previous claim.

He has now doubled down on his initial analysis, stating there is no doubt that the Brazilian will be departing the Gunners.

"“Willian. Willian is leaving the club, I want to confirm that Willian is leaving the club,” he said on the Here We Go Podcast. “There is nothing going on with other English clubs, but he’s leaving the club, so 100 per cent, Willian is going to leave.”"

With no less than three shots on target in his 37 outings this season culminating in a staggering one goal, this can be the catalyst for the clear out that is needed.

Who will take him? Sky Sports recently said Willian was pining for a Chelsea return, a quite ludicrous claim that while may be true will never happen, but with no English sides willing to take him (shock) it appears an MLS move is most likely.

Inter Miami have been listed as interested after trying to sign him the previous summer but they will need to shift one of their three designated players first, which is set to be Rodolfo Pizarro. While it won’t be easy, Phil Neville’s side are keen to facilitate the move.

It’s uncommon for any journalist to give themselves no leeway with their claims, thus ‘100%’ is immensely encouraging news. This looks like it will actually happen. So, what next?

Continued…

Arsenal Do Not Need to Replace Willian

The absolute best part of Willian’s impending departure is that he doesn’t need replacing. Arsenal failing to secure European football was a crushing blow to their status, let alone the financial gains of being involved in midweek fixtures, but every cloud has a silver lining.

No ventures across Europe on Thursday’s is a blessing in disguise for the club. It means Arteta can attribute his full focus on the 38 Premier League matches and really hone in on instilling the tactical approach he desires into his players.

Furthermore, it means that outgoings needn’t be supplemented with as many arrivals. The team needs major surgery but a large squad is no longer essential.

Willian racked up close to 1,900 minutes last season, all of which can be distributed elsewhere within those currently on the books. Nicolas Pepe can do no more to cement his place in the starting lineup while Bukayo Saka has also got a wide berth nailed down. Behind them, Emile Smith Rowe can play at left-winger and Gabriel Martinelli will be fit and firing to push for a starting berth, too.

Removing those massive wages off the bill will be just that. Completely freed up. Of course, the manner of Willian’s exit hasn’t been decided and it’s unsure whether a compromise similar to the likes of Mesut Ozil will be met where a large portion of his salary will be paid by Arsenal to ensure Inter Miami (or whoever) can afford to take on the 32-year-old.

Arteta and Arsenal can wipe their hands clean of this mess but there will still be dirt under their fingernails for some time. No club is expected to come in with a delicious transfer fee and end the disaster smoothly.

At this point it doesn’t overly matter. There is an ideal scenario, yet Arsenal have dug themselves into a hole that can’t be so easily filled. Cutting their losses is all they can do at this stage and supporters will just be happy to see this wretched saga end. Let him play out his career somewhere he, and the fans, are happy. This move hasn’t worked out for any party.

The manager has already seen the light with Willian, barely playing him in the second half of the season and, rather amusingly, making his feelings known when the forward bent in a free-kick against West Brom. That wasn’t a happy Arteta.

“It’s a cold and it’s a broken hallelujah.”