Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown thinks signing Chelsea winger Willian on a free transfer would be a safer bet for Arsenal than snapping up Philippe Coutinho on loan.
The Gunners are said to be close to sealing a deal for Willian, while reports in Spain suggest the London club have already agreed personal terms for Coutinho.
Asked to assess the merits of both transfers, Keown felt that Willian’s experience and consistency whilst playing in the Premier League made him a better signing than ex-Liverpool star Coutinho:
“Coutinho has been linked with virtually everybody and seems, if I am honest, a bit unsettled. I think Willian is a safer bet. He’s in the capital, he knows the Premier League very well and he’s a top performer. I think it’s a huge loss for Chelsea.I think that’s a fantastic bit of business. I have always been a real admirer of Willian.”
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Both players certainly have their plus points. Willian scored 11 goals and contributed nine assists last season and won’t cost a transfer fee.
Coutinho, on the other hand, is younger than his Brazilian international teammate and will be determined to prove himself after failed moves to Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
It must be acknowledged, though, that both will come at a price, with Willian demanding a three-year contract, while Barca will command a high loan fee for Coutinho.