Arsenal deal for Willian could reach £35m as colossal wages revealed

Willian TEAMtalk

Arsenal could reportedly end up paying as much as £35million to Willian, with the Brazilian confirming his free transfer from Chelsea on Friday.

Willian cut ties with Chelsea following last weekend’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. The 31-year-old cited a contract dispute with the Blues as his reason for denying an extension.

However, Arsenal have completed Willian’s signing and handed him his preferred three-year contract. According to the Daily Mail, the winger will become one of Arsenal’s top earners, taking home £220,000 per week.

The newspaper adds that while his basic salary will be lower than that he received at Chelsea, lucrative bonuses will see his finances skyrocket.

The deal features a “huge” signing-on fee alongside loyalty payments and bonuses throughout. As such, the contract could eventually cost Arsenal £35million.

Wages of £220,000 per week would see him become Arsenal’s second-highest earner behind Mesut Ozil. The midfielder pockets £350,000 per week.

Willian.Chelsea.Getty_.000

However, reports have claimed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who currently earns £200,000 every week, could receive a £50,000 weekly pay rise with his new contract.

Arsenal remain in negotiations to tie the Gabon international to a new deal after he entered the final year of his terms.

The Daily Mail also quote “insiders”, who claim Arsenal postponed announcing Willian due to the furore over their job cuts. The Gunners recently announced plans to cut 55 jobs, mostly in their administrative and commercial departments.

Arsenal, however, have reportedly denied that stance.

CONTROVERSY CONTINUES OVER PAY CUT SAGA

The deal for Willian also arrives amid Ozil fuelling the controversy surrounding Arsenal’s pay cut saga.

While most players and staff agreed to cut their salaries to aid coronavirus cost-saving measures, Ozil refused.

He has now spoken about the decision, claiming it was unfair. The former Germany international added that he feels people have tried to “destroy” him for his decision.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are reportedly “furious” with Ozil for making the comments.