Willian has 'top clubs' chasing him despite saying he was "finished" at Arsenal

30 January 2023 , 08:13

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Willian has impressed since joining Fulham in the summer (Image: Craig Mercer/MB Media)

Willian's agent, Kia Joorabchian, has revealed that "top clubs" have recently inquired about signing the Fulham winger, who has rebuilt his reputation following a disastrous stint at Arsenal.

Willian, 34, initially made a name for himself on these shores during a trophy-laden seven-year stint at Chelsea, where he clocked up over 330 appearances and won two Premier League titles.

That earned him a lucrative more to Arsenal back in the summer of 2020 after running down his deal at Stamford Bridge - but the veteran winger endured a torrid time in north London. Willian scored just once in 37 appearances for the Gunners and agreed to tear up a lucrative three-year deal after just 12 months in order to head back to his native Brazil.

Willian was lured back to England in the summer by Fulham, who were bidding to add some top-flight nous to their Championship-winning squad.

And although the deal initially raised eyebrows, Willian has been a standout performer for Marco Silva's team, who have banished fears of relegation and are instead in the mix for a European spot.

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Joorabchian has become the latest person to laud his client for the remarkable way in which he's turned the trajectory of his career around - and insists that there is no chance that he will be lured elsewhere after proving people who claimed he was "finished" wrong.

Referencing his client's doomed Arsenal stint, Joorabchian told talkSPORT: "I think 99% of people would have said that he [Willian] was finished when he left Arsenal: ‘He’s finished – he’s done. His career is over.’

"Yesterday, we got a call from two top clubs. One said: ‘This guy never ages.’ The other said: ‘He’s like Peter Pan. How much would it cost to pull him out?’ We said: ‘It’s not happening – he is staying at Fulham.’"

Join the debate! What have you made of Willian's performances at Fulham? Let us know here.

Willian had a disappointed spell at Arsenal and agreed to tear up a lucrative three-year contract (Getty Images)

Willian, who left Corinthians after receiving threats and abuse from fans, has registered two goals and three assists in 14 league games for Fulham this term, leading to speculation that one of the Brazilian's suitors could step in once his year-long deal at Craven Cottage expires at the end of the season.

Fulham are believed to be open to offering the veteran fresh terms in order to extend his stay at the club beyond the end of the season in the wake of his impressive form.

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has also lauded Willian for the performances he's produced for Fulham this term and insisted he was "delighted" that the wide-man has managed to kickstart his career.

Speaking on The Wrighty’s House podcast, he said: “Willian’s got to get some [flowers]. We thought it was over. Willian! It’s like ‘listen, man, I’m coming back. That wasn’t the best concert I can do.’ I’m delighted for him.”

Dan Marsh