Edu set to receive £20m boost 'in 48 hours' that could help fund Arsenal's sixth summer transfer
Latest Arsenal news takes a closer look at how the club's transfer plans could be affected by Willian's decision to walk away from his contract two years ahead of schedule
JoriPress
Willian's decision to walk away from his Arsenal contract could have a major impact on the club's plans before the summer transfer window closes.
As revealed by football.london, the attacking midfielder is set to become a Corinthians player in the next 48 hours following talks with Gunners technical director Edu regarding his future.
Having fallen behind the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard and Nicolas Pepe in the pecking order at Emirates Stadium, Willian made it clear he wanted to leave the club this summer.
However, due to his huge wages - a reported £240,000-a-week - Arsenal had been unable to attract any suitors.
Although, thanks to a rather kind gesture from Willian, they are in line to save £20million.
This is because sources close to Willian insist that the Brazilian "wants to do the right thing" and is set to "walk away" from his contract that still has two years to run, with Arsenal not having to pay him off despite the early termination.
With a return to Brazil imminent, the 33-year-old could finish his career at Corinthians - just like his father has always wanted.
"There are things that money doesn’t buy. Playing for Corinthians is priceless. Today, they could afford. Corinthians are cleaning up the squad and two, three players who leave already pay for it, even because Willian would come for free,” Severino da Silva said via UOL, as per Sport Witness
"He’s really not happy, otherwise he wouldn’t want to leave. He has proposals from Europe, but it’s no secret that we want him to end his career at Corinthians. Today, everything depends on Corinthians making the proposal and Arsenal releasing him.
"If it depended on my taste, he’d go back to Corinthians, wear the 10! But he’s a professional, and he knows about his career."
As for Arsenal, getting Willian's wages off the books could free up some cash to fund a sixth summer transfer deal.
The Gunners have already splashed £131m to sign Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ben White, Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale, but are still being linked with moves for Houssem Aouar and Kieran Trippier.
And with deadline day fast approaching, saving £20m thanks to Willian might just be the boost Edu needs to get one more signing through the door before Tuesday night.
