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

Brazilian signs three-year deal with north London club

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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.