WILLIAN has agreed to join Corinthians on a free transfer, according to reports.
The Brazilian, 33, only arrived at Arsenal last summer following his release from Chelsea.
But the Gunners are keen to offload his £220,000-a-week wages as soon as possible.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, the North Londoners will not receive a transfer fee for the winger, despite having two years left on his contract.
The journalist wrote: “After six days negotiations… Willian to Corinthians, agreement reached and here-we-go soon!
“Paperworks to be signed on Monday, last details to be sorted and then Willian will travel to Brazil to sign with Timão.
“Arsenal will let Willian leave on a free.”
In a fantastic gesture, it is understood Willian has agreed to rip up his contract rather than demanding a pay off, saving Arsenal around £20million.
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He is set to take a pay cut of around 70 per cent by rejoining his boyhood club in his hometown of Sao Paulo.
Willian has been tipped for an exit throughout the summer after a disappointing debut campaign at the Emirates.
He managed just one goal in 37 appearances across all competitions.
And the forward – who has removed Arsenal from his Instagram profile – has not featured this season.
But he still managed to anger Gunners supporters by ‘liking’ a post from Chelsea celebrating their win over the Emirates side.
Manager Mikel Arteta admitted last week conversations are underway with Willian’s agent regarding a move.
He confessed earlier this month the transfer had not gone to plan.
The Spaniard said: “I think the expectations when we made the decision together to bring him to the football club, what he wanted to do coming here has not been fulfilled.
“It’s true that the context has not been the best for him. It’s been the most difficult year in football history for any football player.
“I think Willian is a player that needs to play happy, feel joy and feel the supporters and then express himself with the quality that he has.
“None of that has happened, the contrary as well. He found a difficult place for him and he’s not been comfortable with that and I think that’s why he’s struggled.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
