Willian penned a three-year contract with Arsenal last week, bringing an end to months of speculation about the winger’s future, including links with Tottenham.
In fact, it was reported at one point that Spurs were the favourites to snap up the Brazilian, with Jose Mourinho apparently keen on being reunited with him (Mundo Deportivo).
ESPN Brazil has now revealed that Arsenal did beat out plenty of competition to sign the 32-year-old this summer but they claim that Spurs were not among the clubs who expressed an interest in signing him.
They reveal that Tottenham made no formal offer for Willian despite reports in the press to the contrary.
The report asserts that Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Manchester City were all ready to offer the former Anzhi Makhachkala man a two-year contract.
It is also said that, despite Frank Lampard not wanting to lose Willian, the Chelsea hierarchy were also only willing to offer Willian a two-year extension.
The Gunners’ willingness to hand him a three-year deal is said to be the reason Mikel Arteta’s side won the race for Willian’s signature.
Spurs Web Opinion
I suspect we probably considered Willian as an option particularly given our financial constraints this summer. However, the fact that we decided not to make an offer for the winger suggests that he was not as attractive as other potential alternatives.
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