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‘The project wasn’t there’: Agent hits out at Arsenal after his player’s move away

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 1 September 2021 20:15, UK

Kia Joorabchian has criticised Arsenal in wake of Willian’s summer departure from the Emirates Stadium, in conversation with .

The 33-year-old agreed to leave the Gunners on Monday, agreeing to terminate his contract with the club.

Willian joined Arsenal to much fanfare last summer after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer.

The attacking midfielder signed a three-year deal at the Emirates Stadium reportedly worth £220,000-a-week.

And Willian’s time at Arsenal began well enough, shining in the 2020-21 Premier League opening-day win over Fulham.

However, he struggled to live up to the heights of his debut, and made just 16 league starts in the end.

And despite having two years left on his contract, Willian agreed to have it terminated on Monday.

This enabled him to join Brazilian giants Corinthians, the club where he came through the ranks.

Joorabchian admitted that reports claiming Arsenal have saved around £20million are “mostly accurate”.

Willian’s agent also insisted the decision was mutual between the club and the player’s camp.

“The project wasn’t there”

But while he didn’t blame Arteta, he claimed that “something has gone wrong” at Arsenal.

“I think Willian did the right thing, he went for the project and the project wasn’t there,” Joorabchian said on .

“Unfortunately, I’d have to say, which player has moved to Arsenal that has not been a disaster in the last couple of years? That one I speak as a fan.

“I don’t think this is about Willian. I think something has gone wrong [at Arsenal] and this is just one piece of the puzzle.

“Nobody blames Arteta, we all want Arteta to do well.

Even as fans, they might be disgruntled at the moment but they want the best for the football club.

“Willian wants all the success for Arteta and this Arsenal team.”