Paul Merson has slammed Chelsea for their decision to allow Willian to quit the club, and in turn join Arsenal, despite their signings.
The Blues refused to offer the Brazilian a three-year deal, despite being amongst their best players last term, only offering him a two-year extension despite his desire for three.
Willian stuck to his guard and turned down their offer, and decided to join Arsenal instead, and impressed on his debut at the weekend in the win against Fulham.
The 32 year-old didn’t get himself on the scoresheet, but despite looking lacking in match sharpness, did manage to get two/three assists (depending if you credit him with one for the first).
Former Arsenal forward Merson has now slammed their decision to allow Willian to quit the club, claiming that their replacements may take time to reach his level for Chelsea.
Merson stated on his Sky Sports column: “I can’t believe Chelsea let Willian go. I know they’ve gone out and get special players, but there’s nothing to say they’re going to hit the ground running. In Willian, you’ve got someone there who is ready-made. I like who they’ve signed, but they cost a lot of money, and their wages are probably the same as Willian.
“Frank Lampard has now. He hasn’t got four years. That’s management, I’m not being horrible. Even if Frank wins the league this year, it doesn’t mean he’s going to be there in four years’ time! We know that, and how it changes.
“Who is to say this isn’t going to take time for Chelsea? And I don’t think they’ve got time at the moment.”
Will our London rivals already be regretting strengthening our side after his role in our three points on Saturday?
Patrick
This is the 3rd article in 3 days about Willian. The guy has had one match against probably the worst team in the league. He’s signed a 3 year contract so lets evaluate him at the end of that. If we get top 4 at the expense of Chelsea because of Willian then we can talk but until then let’s please just stop this. This is just getting embarrassing now
Its still early days but my instinct tells me they will regret it. They can only abuse and jeer him if he is playing against them.
Only time will tell but I’m almost sure that Chelsea will be more than strong enough challenging for the top 4!
Willian is great for us and will be Chelsea’s loss but I don’t think they are weaker without him to be honest. They have make some good signings (as much as I hate to say it). I just hope we get the best out of Willian in a way that Chelsea regret!!! 🙂
Can we please stop complaining and calling articles garbage / embarrassing etc, if you dont like an article dont read it!! Someone put effort into writing it, its irrelevant if you dislike it as an individual because someone else might like it, were all on the same team here so let’s stop bashing people, very disrespectful and its frequency is increasing.
As the Chelseas fan he has always been , no wonder Merse is choked to see one of his clubs heroes now join his former employers. I can see all Chelski fans being equally choked.
HARDLINES MERSE AND ONE DAY, IN FLYING PIG LAND PERHAPS, YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY SAY SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT YOUR FORMER EMPLOYERS AND THE LOCAL RIVALS TO THE CLUB OF YOUR HEART.