According to a report by Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, former Chelsea winger Willian has opened up about his unsuccessful move to Arsenal, admitting that he quickly realised he had made the wrong decision after ending his seven-year association with the Blues in 2020.

The Brazilian revealed that he was already considering an Arsenal departure just three months after arriving at the Emirates Stadium. His comments came during an appearance on The Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, where he discussed the transfer and his difficult experience under Mikel Arteta.

Willian had established himself as an important member of Chelsea's squad after joining the club in 2013. Throughout his seven seasons in West London, he became known for his creativity, work rate and ability to deliver important goals.

His contribution helped Chelsea win two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Europa League, making him one of the club's notable attacking players during that period.

However, the winger eventually departed Stamford Bridge in 2020 after failing to reach an agreement over a new contract.

Chelsea were reportedly prepared to offer him a two-year extension, but Arsenal presented a three-year deal. The longer contract was an important consideration for Willian, who wanted greater security as he approached the later stages of his playing career.

The Brazilian also explained that Arteta's assurances influenced his decision. Before completing the transfer, the Arsenal manager reportedly told him that he would be a central figure in the project and that the team would be built around his qualities.

Willian believed he was joining a club where he would enjoy an important position and help lead Arsenal towards greater success.

Unfortunately, his experience after arriving in North London did not match those expectations.

The former Chelsea star disclosed that he became unhappy with his situation and started questioning his decision almost immediately. According to his account, the circumstances at Arsenal were not what he had anticipated when he agreed to join the club.

His frustration eventually reached a point where he contacted his agent in November 2020 and made it clear that he wanted to leave, even though he had only spent a few months with the Gunners.

Willian further explained that his dissatisfaction affected his performances because he was struggling to find the happiness he previously enjoyed while playing football.

Interestingly, he acknowledged that Arsenal had offered him the best financial contract of his career. However, he made it clear that earning more money did not automatically translate into a better footballing experience.

He also reflected on Arteta's management, praising the Spaniard's tactical understanding but expressing concerns about certain aspects of his approach to handling players.

In August 2021, Arsenal and Willian reached an agreement to terminate his contract, bringing his disappointing spell in North London to an early conclusion.

He finished his Arsenal career with one goal in 37 appearances across all competitions before returning to Brazil to join Corinthians.

Willian's latest confession has once again highlighted the disappointment surrounding his transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal. What initially appeared to be an attractive career opportunity became a decision he began regretting after only three months, despite everything he had achieved at Stamford Bridge.