Arsenal are growing more optimistic about the potential free transfer of 31-year-old winger Willian from Chelsea, according to reports.

ESPN’s Bruno Vicari claims sources inside Arsenal are growing ‘very optimistic’ about the signing of Willian from Chelsea this summer. The player is available on a free transfer, assuming he doesn’t sign a contract extension before the campaign is over.

Chelsea aren’t giving up on the winger just yet, continuing to negotiate to secure his extension. But we know from Willian’s recent comments that there is a major sticking point over the length of the deal.

Willian wants to sign on with a three-year contract, regardless of club. If Chelsea offer him that, he says he’ll sign, but he wants the same deal elsewhere if he leaves. Unfortunately for him, the Blues will only give him two years.

The 31-year-old is up to 20 goal contributions for the 2019/20 season. He hit a particularly strong period of form after the football restart, scoring four and assisting three in five games. He doesn’t have any further contributions in the last three, though.

The FA Cup final will certainly be interesting to watch. He may well end up playing against the Gunners to try and deny them European football weeks before joining them.