Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed the rationale behind his club signed former Chelsea star Willian on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract at Chelsea.

The 32-year-old, who spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, has signed a three-year deal with the Gunners which is expected to worth near £100,000-a-week.

Mikel Arteta is understood to have had input in bringing the Brazilian to Emirates Stadium with his experience highlighted as a key reason for the transfer, having made over 600 club appearances in his career.

“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us,” Mikel Arteta told Arsenal.com about the new signing.

“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 [and] he is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions.

“He has the experience of everything in the football world but to still have the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs. I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come.”

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