7 minutes ago, dansubrosa said:

How can you even compare Willian to Courtois?!

The way Courtois treated us was disgusting. Refused to play and forced his way out.

He didn't refuse to play.

Both have ran their contract down and turned down good offers from the club with the aim to get what they want, not what is best for the club. 

23 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

He didn't refuse to play.

Both have ran their contract down and turned down good offers from the club with the aim to get what they want, not what is best for the club. 

Courtois didn't turn up at training right? 

Willian just ran his contract down. No shame in that. 

19 minutes ago, bisright1 said:

Courtois didn't turn up at training right? 

Willian just ran his contract down. No shame in that. 

Had the transfer window closed, he would've turned up. 

12 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Had the transfer window closed, he would've turned up. 

Irrelevant. 

Look i am not a fan of Willian. I am glad he's leaving. But he's done absolutely nothing wrong here. He's treated the club with complete respect and he's been clear since day 1 what he wants. 

Courtois I think was dealt a bad hand by us and it's 90% our fault we didn't plan for him leaving. But he didn't turn up to training to force a move. That's why the fans soured on him. Willian there is no reason to be angry at him leaving. 

2 hours ago, Skinnedy said:

I think he's just repaying Arsenal for years of loyal service...

 

This "he's not a prolific goalscorer therefore must not a useful attacking midfielder" argument is stupid and extremely tiresome.

The main thing here is that William will be an upgrade on what Arsenal have In the attacking front, so it is annoying that he is going to reinforce them. Other than that, in my opinion, he is not giving Chelsea the respect I thought it would deserve given that he’s been here long and has been offered two years, breaking the club’s policy. I appreciate the work he does in the team, great experience and holds the ball in a way no other player in our team does, and this season he’s worked hard (unlike other seasons). But if he rather go to a rival team than stay two more years here, it shows what kind of feeling he has for the club (zero, nil, nada). 

On the Barsa rumours, there’s never been anything real, and it is demonstrated now that he could go there on a free. He’s never been a strong rumour in the Spanish press, just gossip from the agent.

3 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

That's weird, when Courtois prioritised his family life for a move to Madrid everyone calle dhim a snake. Now its Willian its admirable. You're right, a lot of w**kers about champ. 

I actually don't hate Tibo for the way he left, it was the best way to do it. What would people rather he say he wants to move to a bigger club with a better chance to win the CL? He let us save a bit of face PR wise.

OK it wasn't good that he didn't turn up for training but he had to force a move or RM would sign someone else, if that wasn't the case he would let his contract expire and get a crazy sign on fee.

1 hour ago, bluedave said:

This "he's not a prolific goalscorer therefore must not a useful attacking midfielder" argument is stupid and extremely tiresome.

It's an interesting spin to be fair. Is William praised by opposition fans not just because he is genuinely a world class player for 20% of games and forgettable for the rest. Or is it also because theyve never had to be angry at him for scoring on them.

It seems to me that the bottom line is that Willian is past his prime and it doesn't help Chelsea to resign him for what he wants to resign for. That's it and that's all. Especially since Chelsea is obviously going to go with youth at this point. Neither party is to "blame" for what is happening. It doesn't make Willian a bad person or disloyal for wanting to get the best deal he can. It's just a shame he will go to a rival in that process. If it is a mistake to sign him for 3 years, well, it will be Arsenal making that mistake.

I see the comparisons to courtois ... but I think it’s more cech in the circumstances and player trajectory..

1 hour ago, bisright1 said:

It's an interesting spin to be fair. Is William praised by opposition fans not just because he is genuinely a world class player for 20% of games and forgettable for the rest. Or is it also because theyve never had to be angry at him for scoring on them.

I think maybe it's also because whenever Willian does play well, it's usually doing something that looks flashy and catches the eye on the highlights reel of Match of the Day, so other fans see that but not the many other games where he can be a bit frustrating and unproductive.

Personally, I have no problem with Willian and have enjoyed watching some of his more spectacular goals and contributions over the years, even if I've been equally frustrated at times with his end product. Not every player can be Hazard though, and I don't think it's fair to say he's an awful player that we're glad to get rid of, especially to a rival and especially whilst he does still have his pace. Ultimately though it looks like we'll have a very exciting and youthful attacking line up next season either way, and usually a Chelsea player going to Arsenal signals the start of their decline!

4 hours ago, bluedave said:

This "he's not a prolific goalscorer therefore must not a useful attacking midfielder" argument is stupid and extremely tiresome.

It's not just his goal tally but setting up goals and chances too. How many times has he got in great positions just to either put in a poor delivery or play it backwards. 

I have appreciated his efforts and work rate but in terms of an attacking midfielder his numbers and output are poor in comparisons with the top players at the top clubs. He has shown in flashes he has the ability but its never consistent so he won't be missed quite like our very best players of the past. 

 

20 hours ago, Chelsbear said:

If he wants to go to Arse then good riddence. 

He's past his prime and in his prime he wasn't exactly brilliant. 

 

Well let's just say he was consistently inconsistent throughout his Chelsea career, a blinder one game, totally sh*te for the next two or three games.  On occasion he'd score a vital goal, but not enough to make him one of the all time great servants of this club.  Best of luck to him at Arsenal if that's where he's headed...AFTV should have a field day. 

One of the most overrated players I have ever seen here. The way the media and rivals talk you would think he is Hazard with the work ethic of Essien. Whereas the reality is he is the David Luiz of forwards.

Final momento to the club of turning down our two year deal to go to a rival. Good riddance.

4 hours ago, RMH said:

The main thing here is that William will be an upgrade on what Arsenal have In the attacking front, so it is annoying that he is going to reinforce them. Other than that, in my opinion, he is not giving Chelsea the respect I thought it would deserve given that he’s been here long and has been offered two years, breaking the club’s policy. I appreciate the work he does in the team, great experience and holds the ball in a way no other player in our team does, and this season he’s worked hard (unlike other seasons). But if he rather go to a rival team than stay two more years here, it shows what kind of feeling he has for the club (zero, nil, nada). 

On the Barsa rumours, there’s never been anything real, and it is demonstrated now that he could go there on a free. He’s never been a strong rumour in the Spanish press, just gossip from the agent.

It's business....and he alone is not going to make Arsenal a top 4 team any time soon.  They are so far off a top 4 finish what with Wolves, Sheff Utd and Everton who to be honest have performed way under what they are capable of, same as Spurs although they have no money.  I think Arsenal will finish between 6-9 for the next couple of years.

4 hours ago, RMH said:

The main thing here is that William will be an upgrade on what Arsenal have In the attacking front, so it is annoying that he is going to reinforce them. Other than that, in my opinion, he is not giving Chelsea the respect I thought it would deserve given that he’s been here long and has been offered two years, breaking the club’s policy. I appreciate the work he does in the team, great experience and holds the ball in a way no other player in our team does, and this season he’s worked hard (unlike other seasons). But if he rather go to a rival team than stay two more years here, it shows what kind of feeling he has for the club (zero, nil, nada). 

On the Barsa rumours, there’s never been anything real, and it is demonstrated now that he could go there on a free. He’s never been a strong rumour in the Spanish press, just gossip from the agent.

Really don't see that. Arsenal have Aubameyang, Lacazette, Martinelli and Pepe. I would take all of them over Willian. Sure, he does give them another option but we all know how inconsistent Willian can be and the lack of end product so I really don't have a problem with him going to the Gooners and share in their enjoyment of Thursday night football.

5 hours ago, bluedave said:

This "he's not a prolific goalscorer therefore must not a useful attacking midfielder" argument is stupid and extremely tiresome.

The "he works hard so is a great player in a starting 11" argument is stupid and extremely tiresome. 

15 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

One of the most overrated players I have ever seen here. The way the media and rivals talk you would think he is Hazard with the work ethic of Essien. Whereas the reality is he is the David Luiz of forwards.

Final momento to the club of turning down our two year deal to go to a rival. Good riddance.

Even Salomon bloody Kalou had a better output of goals and assists than Willian has had ... pretty much the end of the debate for me !

At times he was magnificent. When he was in form, you always knew that he could come up with something special. During some difficult times (especially 15/16 season) he was arguably our best player.

But consistency is key in modern football. And his lack of consistency was always unnerving me. He used to have like 2 or 3 months during almost every season when he looked like he could do anything on the pitch, and after that period he would be back to his usual self with occasional flashes of brilliance.

I think that this might turn out to be a good decision by the club. He is 32 and he can't really get any better than he is right now. With the new signings we brought I couldn't see him getting much play time anyway. Also I'm not sure how could he fit into Arsenal's team.

Still I would be sad if he leaves. I can't forget some moments of joy he brought to all of us. I always liked him and his style of play, his commitment for the badge was undoubtedly huge. However, leaving might be the best option possible for him and for the club...

13 hours ago, CFCCAN said:

It's business....and he alone is not going to make Arsenal a top 4 team any time soon.  They are so far off a top 4 finish what with Wolves, Sheff Utd and Everton who to be honest have performed way under what they are capable of, same as Spurs although they have no money.  I think Arsenal will finish between 6-9 for the next couple of years.

I think that he is better than Pepe, who has had a poor season. Though I agree that they are a mid table team and William alone will not make them much better, he will reinforce them and I don’t like reinforcing rival teams.

Edited August 5, 20205 yr by RMH

13 hours ago, Nibs said:

Really don't see that. Arsenal have Aubameyang, Lacazette, Martinelli and Pepe. I would take all of them over Willian. Sure, he does give them another option but we all know how inconsistent Willian can be and the lack of end product so I really don't have a problem with him going to the Gooners and share in their enjoyment of Thursday night football.

As I said, Pepe has had a poor season and William will probably start for them. I don’t mind losing William but I don’t like selling to rival teams.

He’s been good for us. Good, but not great. I won’t miss seeing him attempt to take corners for us anymore.

I wish him all the best at Arsenal. 

54 minutes ago, RMH said:

As I said, Pepe has had a poor season and William will probably start for them. I don’t mind losing William but I don’t like selling to rival teams.

I don't believe they will bench a 70 million £ player.

Certainly will not miss him taking corners, what was that all about year after year?

who's taking no 10 now?