After ending the season on a high by winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, Arsenal have set their sights on being a better overall team. The Gunners have a shaky defence and lack of leadership in the squad. it is being reported that Mikel Arteta has complete control over the squad and new signing after the departure of Raul Sanllehi. The Gunners are amidst a rebuild and they will be extremely active in the transfer market this window.
A rebuilding team needs experienced players and leaders who can single-handedly win games and step up in tough times. Arsenal have a relatively young squad, with only Mesut Ozil, David Luiz, and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang above the age of 30. The team lacks experience and leadership, keeping this in mind, the Gunners have signed free agent Willian who left Chelsea after his contract expired. The 32-year-old winger has ample experience in the Premier League, making 234 appearances and winning it twice. He also has several appearances in the Champions League and the FIFA World Cup.
With Willian and club-record signing Nicholas Pepe, Arsenal’s wings are sorted. The right-wing spot will have serious competition with Pepe, Willian and Bukayo Saka. But, it looks like Willian will have a different role in the squad. He will be a squad rotation player and will be a backup winger or attacking midfielder. The Brazilian is very versatile, being capable of playing on both flanks and as an attacking midfielder. The former Chelsea man also brings great depth to the squad.
If Lacazette leaves, Arsenal will be able to replace him without buying another player. Currently, Arsenal line-up with Pierre Emerick Aubameyang on the left-wing, Lacazette as a striker and Nico Pepe on the right-wing. Without Lacazette, Willian can stay on the left-wing, with Aubameyang leading the line. Arsenal without a doubt have one of the best attacks in England.
Willian does bring a lot of experience to the squad; his arrival can have a positive as well as a negative effect on youngsters. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka play in the same position as Willian, and this will deprive him of a lot of valuable game time. But, they can also excel under his mentorship. His experience will be a great asset, especially to fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli. He can also help bring the best out of Nico Pepe, with Willian being one of the best in the world in the position.
