Arsenal boss Arteta confirms Willian exit talks

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that there have been talks about Willian leaving the club.

The Brazilian winger arrived from Chelsea last summer, signing a three-year contract as a free agent. However, his spell at the club has been a disappointing one, and both the player and the club are now keen to sever the ties by a mutual agreement, meaning the Gunners would allow him to leave without compensation, as long as they get him off the wage bill. Willian is reportedly considering an offer from Corinthians at the moment.

“We are having some conversations with him and the agent, and we are evaluating the position that we are in at the moment,” said Arteta, speaking to the press ahead of his team’s trip to champions Manchester City on Saturday.

Arsenal have already spent over £100 million on signings this summer, boosting their ranks with left-back Nuno Tavares, midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, defender Ben White, attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. However, Arteta has refused to rule out further incoming deals before the window closes next week.