Willian was ‘wooed’ by Mikel Arteta’s future plans for Arsenal, according to the Brazilian’s agent Kia Joorabchian.
The 32-year-old turned down Chelsea’s offer of a two-year contract this summer and instead made the move to the Gunners.
Frank Lampard was keen to keep Willian at Chelsea following his impressive final season at Stamford Bridge.
But Joorabchian has revealed how Arteta and Edu, Arsenal’s technical director, played a role in convincing Willian to join them in north London.
‘With Willian, there’s no secret he wanted a three-year contract, but the Mikel Arteta project was just incredible,’ Joorabchian told talkSPORT.
‘He was very much wooed by Mikel and Edu, and what Mikel presented to him and the way he wants to play football and the way he wants to continue and the success he wants to bring to Arsenal, made the difference.
‘That’s what he said and that’s exactly what it was.’
Meanwhile, Arteta has admitted he was impressed by Willian’s character during his first meeting with the Brazilian.
‘I want players who are optimistic and willing and they want to win for our club,’ said the Arsenal manager.
‘He is not satisfied with what he has done in his career, which is a lot, and he is going to bring some special qualities for our team.’
