Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea’s Willian on a free transfer, with Mikel Arteta keen to sign the winger on a three-year deal, but that is dependent on Henrikh Mkhitaryan not returning from his loan at Roma. [Mark Irwin, Sun] #afc

Chelsea offered him a two-year deal but would not agree to his request for an extra 12 months, with Arsenal ready to meet those demands if it gives them an edge over interested clubs. Arsenal are set to offer Willian £130k-a-week, similar to what he earns at Chelsea. [Sun] #afc

Arteta also needs to overcome fears about the player’s age & the club becoming too reliant on agent Kia Joorabchian, with club chiefs aware of growing criticism from fans that they are allowing Joorabchian to dictate transfer policy. [Sun] #afc