Mikel Arteta reveals Willian’s ‘experience and ambition’ attracted Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has revealed Willian’s versatility attracted Arsenal to sign the Brazilian.

The former Chelsea star has penned a three-year deal at the Emirates.

And Arteta has described the reasons behind moving for the 32-year-old.

💬 "It is the character that I want. The kind of player that when things get difficult in the game that wants to take responsibility, wants the ball and wants to win the game for the team."

👔 @m8arteta discusses the signing of @WillianBorges88 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 14, 2020

“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us,” Arteta told Arsenal Digital.

“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.

“As well he brings a lot of quality and something that we need, which is winners. He has the experience to win almost everything in the football world but still the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs.

🗞 Brazil international @WillianBorges88 has signed a three-year deal to join us ahead of the 2020/21 season

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 14, 2020

“It is many of his qualities [that appeal]. One is his ability to play in those tight spaces, his ability to play people through, to unlock, to drive with the ball and create overloads, he is a goal threat as well both in open play and with set pieces.

“Again, it is the character that I want, the kind of player that when things get difficult in the game that wants to take responsibility, wants the ball and wants to win the game for the team and I think it is going to be a really good lift for all the players as well in terms of the quality we are bringing to the squad.”