Here is your Arsenal morning digest for Wednesday, September 29.
Willian claim
Former Arsenal winger Willian has claimed that it was him that pushed to leave the club in the summer, not the other way around.
“My year at Arsenal was a bit complicated. I really couldn’t adapt to the club. I wasn’t happy there,” Willian told Arena SBT.
“To make it very clear too, it wasn’t the club that wanted me to leave. I wanted to leave the club. I expressed my feeling, said I wasn’t happy.
“I said I wanted to look elsewhere, another place to play. And so there was this decision to leave. There are things in life that money can’t buy, money doesn’t pay for. You have joy, happiness, peace, a solid family. I think this is the most important thing for me.”
Tomiyasu’s Odegaard praise
Arsenal right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu has heaped praise on Norway captain Martin Odegaard for helping him adjust to life since completing his deadline day transfer to the north London club.
“Ever since I arrived, every single player has helped me a lot here, and every member of staff as well,” the Japanese international told Arsenal’s matchday programme before the win against Tottenham.
“Before that game against Norwich, I have to say I was really nervous. So I really appreciated the help from all the players, especially Martin Odegaard.
“He told me that you just have to enjoy this time, really enjoy it and that’s what I was able to do. It helped that we were able to take the three points as well.
Read the full piece here.
Osimhen twist
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen was close to completing a transfer to Arsenal before joining the Serie A giants, according to Italian journalist Paolo Bargiggia.
Speaking to 1 Station Radio, he said: “Osimhen, at a cash level, was paid only 50 million: a figure that, with hindsight, is low.
“Let’s forget that the four counterparts given to Lille were convenient for the budget, but Osimhen, in a year, he can reach over 100 million and approach the ratings of Romelu Lukaku. Moreover, he earns only 5 million gross in salary: not much, for a striker of his calibre.
“You must know that Osimhen was followed by Arsenal: he was very close to the Gunners, but Cristiano Giuntoli spoke with Aurelio De Laurentiis and the president broke the delay: so Napoli decided and managed to buy him.”
Read more here.