How could Willian fit in at Arsenal?

Chelsea winger is available on a free transfer

After winning the FA Cup final on Saturday, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be working away on his plans to improve the squad.

One player that’s been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates is Chelsea winger Willian. Injury ruled him out at Wembley, but he could move across London on a free transfer.

If he does switch blue for red, what would he add to the Arsenal set-up?

Attacking options

Performances and results have improved for Arsenal since Arteta came in, but there’s still a lack of creativity throughout the side, especially against teams that are happy to sit deep.

For all of the doubts about their defending, they could do with more firepower in the final third if they’re going to challenge. The North Londoners scored 56 league goals this season, at least 10 less than every side that finished in the top four.

Willian either scored or created 16 goals in the league this season – more than every Arsenal player bar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He’s handy at set pieces, while his speed and skill can cause real problems for opposition defences.

His versality could also be very useful. He’s able to play on either flank, which means Aubameyang could play centrally more often, or as a number ten. Arteta would appreciate his willingness to track back too.

Experience

Arsenal will hope the upcoming campaign is their last outside the Champions League and Willian won’t need any time to adapt to English football after seven years at Stamford Bridge.