Willian joined Arsenal last summer with lofty ambitions, but Chelsea fans have been quick to point out what he left in west London.

The winger rejected the Blues in favour of a move to the Emirates where the 32-year-old was given a three-year deal instead of two on offer at Stamford Bridge.

Willian has failed to reproduce his Chelsea form for Arsenal
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Chelsea’s policy for a long time has been to only offer short-term contracts to players over 30, something that has been relaxed somewhat in recent years.

But Willian thought his future was at Arsenal after conversations with manager Mikel Arteta convinced him, setting lofty ambitions of winning the Champions League.

Less than a season on, the Blues are in the final of the competition whereas Arsenal will not even be playing in Europe next season.

Willian made more than 300 appearances for Chelsea and won two Premier Leagues
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Willian told SunSport at the start of the season: “One of the reasons I wanted a three-year deal was to be part of a plan, not just a player passing through.

“When I talked with the manager he told me why he needed me for three years.

“It was that he first wanted to qualify for the Champions League and win it by the time I left. That was what I wanted to hear.”

Willian won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge, but it was the Europe’s crown that eluded him, joining the club the season after they won it in memorable fashion in Munich.

“I was at Chelsea for seven years and won everything except the Champions League.

“Hopefully this move will give me the trophy I haven’t got as well as another Premier League title.”

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Mikel Arteta was the man who convinced Willian to join Arsenal[/caption]

Now, though, Chelsea will play Man City in the showpiece event later this month as yet another English winner of the competition is guaranteed.

It has been less than a year since Willian left Chelsea, but things are radically different with his former club in the ascendancy.

Frank Lampard was sacked and quickly replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who’s impact has been remarkable.

He joined when the Blues were ninth in the Premier League, just two points and two places above Arsenal.

Now they are in the FA Cup and Champions League finals and are fourth in the Premier League.

Arsenal, meanwhile, crashed out of the Europa League in the semi-final and are scrapping to even finish in the top half of the table.

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