Former Arsenal star Perry Groves has praised the signing of Willian on a free transfer, saying the Brazilian automatically improves the Gunners team.
The former Chelsea wingers move to the Emirates Stadium was finally confirmed on Friday, a day after his agents not-so-subtle hint on talkSPORT.
DESTINY? Willian was born in the Brazilian city of Ribeirao Pires… which is VERY close to the name of Arsenal legend Robert Pires
The 32-year-old has penned a three-year deal with the north London side, which is reportedly worth a stunning £220,000-a-week.
Manager Mikel Arteta has insisted the clubs new No.12 will really make a difference for us, but that doesnt appear to be the reaction across the board from supporters.
Some fans are concerned about spending big money on another player that London rivals Chelsea have allowed to leave, following David Luiz move to the Gunners last summer.
“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
Willian won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the Europa League during his seven years at Stamford Bridge
But former Arsenal winger Groves insists its a no-brainer signing by the club, and believes Willian is a big improvement on the wingers already in the squad.
And thats including club-record signing Nicolas Pepe
Its a very, very good signing, said two-time First Division winner, Groves.
Hes a proven Premier League player and hes better than what weve got.
Willian is ‘an absolute no-brainer’ signing for Arsenal, says Perry Groves – He’s better than what we have at the moment
Ive got stick from people for saying that is he better than Pepe? But at the moment, he IS better than Pepe.
Hes more consistent and hes proven it at that level, whereas Pepe hasnt. Pepe has got potential, which is completely different.
Its a no-brainer. Its a complete no-brainer. Hes a really good signing for the Gooners.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has also hailed the transfer, and insists signing a player of Willians quality on a free transfer is a great deal, despite his big wages.
I think its a good signing for Arsenal, the Romford Pele told the talkSPORT Breakfast.
Hes been brilliant for Chelsea and I think he will get the goals from midfielder theyre lacking at the moment.
Ray Parlour insists Arsenal have done brilliant business signing Willian – ‘It’s a great deal’
Money shouldnt come into it, its all about performances on the pitch. When Van Dijk signed for Liverpool everyone was saying it was too much money for a centre-half, but no one mentions it now
Arsenal are going to pay him £10m a year, but it would cost a lot more than that to buy a player of his quality in the transfer market.
So in that respect its not a bad deal.