Arsenal winger Chris Willock was officially unveiled as a Benfica player, signing a five-year with the Primeira Liga defending champions, ending a 14-year association with the Gunners.
The 19-year-old was out of contract with Arsenal this summer and rejected terms on a new deal to pursue his switch to the Estádio da Luz. He failed to make a single Premier League appearances in his time under Arsene Wenger and has a lot to prove in Portugal as a result.
Welcome to Benfica, Chris Willock! #EPluribusUnum pic.twitter.com/DTcykqX8gp
— SL Benfica EN (@slbenfica_en) June 30, 2017
“ I hope I can show what I can do on the pitch. I think we have a great team and we can achieve great things in the future,” the England U19 international said on Benfica’s club website, reports Sky Sports. Willock is now the second brother of three to have left Arsenal, with Matthew joining Manchester United in 2014. The latter gave his support to his younger brother on social media.
https://twitter.com/mattywillock/status/880894415069491200
And despite the now-Benfica man turning down Arsenal this summer, the London club still sent their well-wishes to Chris Willock.
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/880905477521117184
Wenger was believed to be an admirer of his talents in the past and will no doubt be watching to see if he can develop into a key player for the defending champions in years to come.