Report: Arsenal in pole position for £30m man but stumbling block has left Gunners shocked

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Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for Chelsea midfielder Willian, but there appears to be a stumbling block regarding the Brazil international’s wage demands, according to Metro.

Mikel Arteta’s charges are believed to be one of the sides interested in Willian’s signature, with his Stamford Bridge contract expiring this summer.

However, the Gunners’ bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested in the midfielder, according to Metro.

Willian has plied his trade for the West Londoners since 2013, when he joined from Anzhi Makhachkala in a reported £30million move (BBC Sport).

The 31-year-old has made upwards of 300 appearances for Chelsea in which he claimed 59 goals and 59 assists, according to Transfermarkt.

However, Willian’s days at Chelsea seem to be numbered after confirming to Fox Sports show Expediente Futbol that contract talks with the Blues have petered out.

Willian wants a two or three-year deal at Stamford Bridge but the Blues are only willing to hand him a rolling 12-month extension.

According to ESPN journalist Jorge Nicola (Youtube), Willian’s representatives believe Arsenal are the most viable destination for the winger this summer.

However, a report in Metro suggests that Arsenal have been left shocked at Willian’s wage demands.

According to the outlet, Willian wants to maintain his current salary of £120,000-a-week for the duration of his desired three-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.

This would amount to £18.7million over his three years in north London.

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Whilst the report claims Arsenal are “shocked” with Willian’s demands, the player is very highly sought after, and as such is in a strong position on the negotiating table.

Indeed, it’s not like Chelsea want to cut him loose – they just offered him a deal he didn’t personally want and is now reportedly looking elsewhere.

It’s no secret that Willian is after a two or three-year deal, and why would he agree to a wage cut right from the start of negotiations?