‘Brilliant player’, ‘world class’: Pundit raves about £120k-a-week maestro Arsenal reportedly want

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal legend and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has given his verdict on reported Gunners target Willian, describing him as “world-class” and “one of Chelsea’s best players”.

The Brazilian has been a great servant to the West London side since 2013, when he joined from Anzhi Makhachkala in a reported £30million move (BBC Sport).

Willian has made upwards of 300 appearances in which he claimed 59 goals and 59 assists, according to Transfermarkt.

However, his days at Chelsea seem to be numbered after confirming to Fox Sports show Expediente Futbol that contract talks with the Blues have petered out amid reports by the likes of Metro linking him to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

“I think it will be very difficult for me to renew because Chelsea offered me two years,” Willian said. “I asked for three and it ended there, we don’t talk anymore, we didn’t negotiate anymore.”

Merson told Sky Sports: “Willian is very fortunate. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a brilliant player and I still think he’s one of Chelsea’s best players, there’s no question about that whatsoever, but I think he’s been fortunate in terms of getting away with the contract situation this season.

“He’s let his contract run down and no one has said a dicky-bird about it. We’ve seen so many players get plenty of stick over running down their contract and leaving on a free. Normally everybody goes mad but with Willian, because he’s played so well, it’s gone under the radar.

“Willian is world class, and Chelsea haven’t got a lot of world-class players. Willian has been outstanding, he could play for Manchester City tomorrow. There will be teams queuing around the block to sign him. He’s a special player and for me, Chelsea have dropped one by letting it get to this situation.”

TBR View:

Willian’s glittering CV speaks for itself, having racked up 329 appearances for Chelsea, and winning numerous trophies including two Premier League titles and a Copa America.

A fast, technically gifted player with great vision and a powerful shot on him, the £120,000-a-week ace would be an asset for any top side, and Chelsea’s loss could well be Arsenal’s gain this summer.