Arsenal are competing with Tottenham Hotspur to sign Willian on a free transfer from Chelsea this summer, according to reports.

The Telegraph report that Arsenal will only realistically be able to afford to make free transfers, loans and swap deals this summer, pushing them to chase the signature of Chelsea’s Willian.

Willian is available on a free when the season ends, after contract extension talks with Chelsea broke down. He asked for a three-year deal, they offered two, that’s where things ended.

According to The Telegraph’s report, Arsenal can probably only raise significant cash for transfers by selling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette. Otherwise, they’ll need to get creative with their summer business.

The Gunners have close links to Kia Joorabchian, Willian’s agent, which would help. The agent also represents David Luiz, who made the same transfer last summer.

However, Spurs and Jose Mourinho will provide competition for the deal. The Portuguese manager worked with Willian before at Chelsea, so that gives them an edge.

Willian is up to seven goals and assisted six in 37 appearances this season so far. He plans to see out the remainder of the campaign with Chelsea, even past his contract expiry date on June 30th.