Arsenal terminate contract of ex Chelsea winger Willian after just a year at the club

Arsenal have confirmed the club have mutually terminated Willian's contract after his 12-months stay at the club. The Brazilian joined Mikel Arteta's side on a free transfer last summer but struggled in 2020-21 season, scoring only one goal in 37 appearances.

Arsenal have been looking to offload Willian this summer and Corinthians have been interested in ending his Gunners nightmare. But his wages, believed to be more than £220,000 per week was one of the frustrating issues in negotiations.

The former Chelsea star is now set to complete a move back to his native Brazil after the two parties reached an agreement to terminate the remaining two years left on his contract, saving the club around £20million in wages.

In a statement, Arsenal said: 'We have reached a mutual agreement with Willian to terminate his contract effective from today.

'The Brazil international joined us from Chelsea last August and made 38 appearances during the 2020/21 campaign.

'He had two more years to run on his contract but following positive and constructive recent discussions with him and his team, he will be leaving for a new opportunity with Corinthians in Brazil, where he began his career.

'Everyone at Arsenal wishes Willian and his family well for the future.

The 33-year-old has already agreed a contract with Corinthians to keep him tied to the Brazilian club until 2023, and hopes to force his way back into the national team squad ahead of next year's World Cup.

The move ends Willian's eight-year stay in England, where he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup crown, and the 2018-19 Europa League while at Stamford Bridge.