Arsenal man wants return to former club after nightmare season

Arsenal’s season to forget drew to a close on Sunday with victory over Brighton on the final day of the Premier League season, courtesy of a brace from Nicolas Pepe. 

The Gunners’ season was something of a disaster from start to finish, with the club finishing eighth and missing out entirely on European football, as well as being knocked out of both domestic cups early on and losing to former manager Unai Emery’s Villarreal in the Europa League semis.

Mikel Arteta’s side can now focus on looking ahead to next season, with a number of player’s futures still uncertain ahead of the transfer window reopening in June.

Brazil defender David Luiz will depart the club after two seasons at the Emirates, while Dani Ceballos will return to parent club Real Madrid after spending the past two seasons on loan in North London.

Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, is also due to return to the Spanish capital but it is understood that Arsenal are keen on making his stay permanent.

Another player who faces an uncertain future is Willian, with the Brazil winger allegedly eyeing a shock return to a former employer.

Willian won five major trophies during his time in South West London.

According to Sky Sports, the 32-year-old is unhappy at Arsenal and is keen on making a sensational return to SW6, just months after ending a trophy-laden seven year stay at the club.

Chelsea had been keen on extending Willian’s time at the club, but refused to offer him a three year deal and he therefore departed for Arsenal last summer.

Despite making two assists on his debut, the Brazil international has endured a disastrous season, scoring just once in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Willian departed alongside teammate Pedro last summer and Chelsea replaced the pair with Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech, however the Blues’ new signings all struggled in front of goal and Jorginho finished the season as the club’s top league scorer with seven, having only scored penalties.

Despite Willian’s wishes, it is unlikely that a deal will be agreed as Chelsea are believed to have no interest in re-signing the player, whose decision to join rivals Arsenal didn’t go down well with the club.