Arsenal Sign Former Chelsea Midfielder Willian on Free Transfer

Arsenal have signed Brazil midfielder Willian on a three-year contract after the 32-year-old's deal with Chelsea expired.

The Blues had offered the player a new deal but were unwilling to match what the Gunners had on the table.

"I believe he's a player that can really make a difference for us," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said, according to BBC.

"We had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions,"he added.

During his journey with the Blues, he made 339 appearances after signing from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala for £30m in 2013 as he became one of the most popular players at Stamford Bridge in the process.

He has won five major trophies with the Blues, including two Premier League titles and the Europa League, and won the club’s players’ player of the year award twice.

"He is a player that gives us a lot of versatility - he can play in three or four different positions," added Arteta.

"He has the experience of everything in the football world but still has the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs.I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come," he noted.