Willian is eyeing a shock return to Stamford Bridge in the upcoming summer transfer window after a poor season at Arsenal.
According to Sky Sports, Willian’s days at Emirates could be numbered as Arsenal look to offload the winger in the summer. The player has already attracted interest from clubs across Europe as well as MLS outfit Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham. Willian, however, has set his sights on a shock return to Chelsea.
Indeed, the Brazilian is keen on a return to Stamford Bridge to prove himself once again. His current contract at Emirates does exist until 2023, but it appears the player could be allowed to leave, as he falls on Mikel Arteta’s chopping block.
It is no secret that the Gunners are poised for a busy transfer window, with Arteta ready to make wholesale changes to his roster, especially in the attacking department. The likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah are already facing an uncertain future at the club while Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard are set to return to Santiago Bernabeu, following the end of their respective loan spells.
Willian, in that regard, is an automatic exclusion in Arteta’s plan given how much he has struggled at Emirates this season. In 37 appearances in all competitions, the winger has scored just one goal, often appearing as a liability in the Arsenal attack. In fact, he is widely regarded as one of the worst signings of the 2020/21 campaign in the Premier League.
At the age of 32, Willian also doesn’t provide much prospect for the future, with the Gunners keen on younger alternatives like Emiliano Buendia. The attacker also supposedly attracts a significant pay package, meaning his departure could serve as a financial boost for the club as well.
As for Chelsea, their potential re-acquisition of Willian sounds rather bizarre and will be a step backwards from everything the club has achieved over the past few months under Thomas Tuchel.
Although the German is indeed unhappy with the performances from his current crop of attackers, Willian is simply not the answer, having endured a rapid decline in his game over the past few years. The Blues could be much better suited with long-term alternatives like Samuel Chukuweze.
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Willian himself should prefer a move away from Europe, where he can earn much more in this final phase of his career. A move to Inter Miami, in fact, could see him reunite with former Chelsea teammate Gonzalo Higuain and perhaps even finish his career on a high note.
