La Liga side Real Betis are lining up a move to sign Arsenal winger Willian in the January transfer window, according to Spanish outlet El Gol Digital.
The Verdiblancos are preparing for life without their skipper and club icon Joaquin. The 39-year-old is expected to retire at the end of this season and Betis are looking at possible replacements.
The Spaniard holds the record for most top-flight wins for Betis. He is adored by everyone associated with the club and he will certainly go down as a Real Betis legend.
Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has full faith in his skipper, but he is already planning for life without him. Arsenal’s Willian has been viewed as a replacement, and the report claims that a move could happen as early as next month.
The Brazilian joined us from Chelsea on a free transfer just under four months ago. He hasn’t quite hit the ground running at the Emirates, but his experience and quality on the ball make him a very important player for Arteta and Arsenal.
Pellegrini has seen the Brazilian play first-hand during his time at Manchester City and West Ham United over the years.
It is no surprise that he has seen Willian as an option to replace Joaquin, but a move in the January transfer window is highly unlikely.
Arsenal Insider’s View:
Will Willian leave Arsenal in January? Barring something drastic in the next few weeks, the answer is no.
Arteta is a big fan of Willian, and the Gunners boss went above and beyond to bring him to Arsenal in the summer.
Yes, the Brazilian has been poor for Arsenal this season. However, his experience and leadership qualities are irreplaceable for the Gunners boss at the moment, and a move to Spain is not an option in January.
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