Transfer Centre

Tony Adams questions Arsenal's Willian signing

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 20 December 2020

Arsenal legend Tony Adams hits out at the Gunners' decision to sign Willian, with the 32-year-old still waiting to open his account for Mikel Arteta's side.

Arsenal legend Tony Adams has slammed the Gunners for a "lazy" decision to sign Willian on a three-year deal.

The former Chelsea man made the switch across the capital over the summer, with Willian believed to be pocketing £220,000 per week with Mikel Arteta's side.

Despite becoming a regular in Arteta's team, the Brazil international has struggled this season and is yet to open his account for Arsenal, with Adams now questioning the Gunners' move for him in the first place.

Speaking to Stadium Astro, Adams said: "That's lazy recruitment for me. You've got to really question the recruitment process at Arsenal at the moment.

"We've had some wonderful players and wonderful principles under Arsene Wenger. He went for a young player, you wouldn't have even considered Willian if Arsene was still in control at the club.

"For him a forward over the age of 30, physiologically he doesn't think he can get that player to consistently to perform to the levels that Arsene would want him to get, it wouldn't even have been on the agenda.

"This is a straightforward agent recommendation, he's got the same agent as the sports director [Edu] so it's an easy option for him, three-year contract, there we go. I think it's really poor recruitment.

"As a coach, you've been given this player, you wanted this player. You don't have to play them. He's not playing [Mesut] Ozil, one of the greatest creative players there is.

"And to have someone like Willian, one shot in 12 games. I'm like, 'Hold on put [Joe] Willock out there'. We've got [Gabriel] Martinelli back in there. You've got other options."

Willian played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Everton on Saturday evening, with the Gunners a mere four points clear of the relegation zone after 14 matches.