• Willian celebrates scoring the third goal in Chelsea's 4-0 Premier League win over Everton. EPA
    Willian celebrates scoring the third goal in Chelsea's 4-0 Premier League win over Everton. EPA
  • Willian celebrates scoring the third goal in Chelsea's 4-0 Premier League win over Everton. EPA
    Willian celebrates scoring the third goal in Chelsea's 4-0 Premier League win over Everton. EPA
  • Willian applauds the crowd after Chelsea's Premier League win over Everton. PA
    Willian applauds the crowd after Chelsea's Premier League win over Everton. PA
  • Willian celebrates scoring the third goal in Chelsea's 4-0 Premier League win over Everton. AP Photo
    Willian celebrates scoring the third goal in Chelsea's 4-0 Premier League win over Everton. AP Photo
  • Willian in action against Andrew Robertson during the FA Cup fifth round tie between Chelsea and Liverpool. EPA
    Willian in action against Andrew Robertson during the FA Cup fifth round tie between Chelsea and Liverpool. EPA
  • Willian with manager Frank Lampard after being substituted during the FA Cup match against Liverpool. Reuters
    Willian with manager Frank Lampard after being substituted during the FA Cup match against Liverpool. Reuters
  • Willian scores Chelsea's first goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Getty Images
    Willian scores Chelsea's first goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Getty Images
  • Willian celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Reuters
    Willian celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Reuters
  • Willian celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Reuters
    Willian celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Reuters
  • Willian celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Reuters
    Willian celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Reuters
  • Willian watches his shot go into the goal to score Chelsea's first goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup. AFP
    Willian watches his shot go into the goal to score Chelsea's first goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup. AFP
  • Willian celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup. AFP
    Willian celebrates scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup. AFP

'He can really make a difference for us' - Mikel Arteta welcomes Willian to Arsenal


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Arsenal have signed Brazil winger Willian on a three-year deal, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The 32-year-old joins Arsenal on a free transfer after failing to agree on a new contract with Chelsea.

Willian scored 63 goals in 339 appearances for Chelsea after his arrival from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013.

A two-time Premier League winner with the Blues, Willian will add experience to an Arsenal side full of talented youngsters like Bukayo Saka, Joe Willock, Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson.

"I believe he's a player that can really make a difference for us," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said in a statement on the club's website.

"We have been monitoring him for the past few months, we had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions. He is a player that gives us a lot of versatility."

Willian had confirmed last week that he would leave Chelsea after seven "wonderful" years at Stamford Bridge.

"I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come," Arteta added.