Arsenal triple transfer to save whopping £20m annually

Willian Nears Corinthians Transfer – Kolasinac Also to Leave

Hello, Willian.

The former Chelsea man swapped blue for red last summer and has been nothing short of an unmitigated disaster, scoring just once in his 37 appearances for the club. The winger has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal this season the Sao Paulo outfit have an offer on the table that would see Willian leave on a free transfer with the Gunners subsidising some of his salary. What proportion is part of the negotiations.

Despite only signing a three-year deal last summer, Arsenal, Arteta and Willian all want this concluded before August 31. It’s moving fast and while it’s mentioned the 33-year-old prefers to stay in Europe, he may be short on options. Earning around £190k-per-week, this is fabulous news.

Reducing the wage bill has been one of many key tasks of this window. Even if there is a small payout, Willian leaving will save an obscene amount of money over the coming two years.

Elsewhere, another big earner in Sead Kolasinac is heading towards the exit door. Fenerbahce look certain to secure his signature in some capacity, which looks likely to be some form of contract cancellation. In that case, he’d join the Turkish side on a free transfer, although Arsenal still hope for a full transfer. So long as he’s gone, he’s gone.

There are conflicting reports on the details of his departure as discussions take place over how much of his salary will be shared, but the end result will be another £100k-per-week of the wage bill.

Add those three together and Arsenal save close to £20m annually. That’s £20m for three players who the club don’t even need to replace between now and the window’s closure. There will be fine print here and there as well as some payouts, but it’s still incredibly welcome.

More is still expected to come with Crystal Palace wanting young striker Eddie Nkteiah. First, it was Brighton who were eyeing part of the deal that brought White to the Emirates but now Palace is said to be wanting the 22-year-old.

Nketiah’s contract is up next summer and rather than lose him for nothing, Arsenal have to sell him this summer after he rejected a contract extension. The Gunners value Nketiah at around £20m, however, Palace is only willing to offer £10m to get the deal done. This is hardly the time to be playing hardball. Take the money.

That’s four players edging closer to being off Arsenal’s books in the next week, while several others are next up: Hector Bellerin, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Alexandre Lacazette, Alex Runarsson, and possibly Reiss Nelson are all due to either be sold or loaned in the coming week if deals can be agreed.

Some say it should have happened earlier, but it finally feels like the wheels are in motion for Arsenal to get a host of unwanted players off its books. It’s about time.