Arsenal have confirmed the club have mutually terminated Willian's contract after his 12-months stay at the club.
The Brazilian joined Mikel Arteta's side on a free transfer last summer
but struggled in 2020-21 season, scoring only one goal in 37
appearances.
Arsenal have been looking to offload Willian this summer and Corinthians
have been interested in ending his Gunners nightmare. But his wages,
believed to be more than £220,000 per week was one of the frustrating
issues in negotiations.
The former Chelsea star is now set to complete a move back to his native
Brazil after the two parties reached an agreement to terminate the
remaining two years left on his contract, saving the club around
£20million in wages.
In a statement, Arsenal said: 'We have reached a mutual agreement with Willian to terminate his contract effective from today.
'The Brazil international joined us from Chelsea last August and made 38 appearances during the 2020/21 campaign.
'He had two more years to run on his contract but following positive and
constructive recent discussions with him and his team, he will be
leaving for a new opportunity with Corinthians in Brazil, where he began
his career.
'Everyone at Arsenal wishes Willian and his family well for the future.
The 33-year-old has already agreed a contract with Corinthians to keep
him tied to the Brazilian club until 2023, and hopes to force his way
back into the national team squad ahead of next year's World Cup.
The move ends Willian's eight-year stay in England, where he won two
Premier League titles, an FA Cup crown, and the 2018-19 Europa League
while at Stamford Bridge.
