FORMER Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes that Chelsea winger Willian will shun a move to join the Gunners in favour of a switch to Spain.
The Brazilian international is set to be a free agent at the end of the season after failing to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge – despite Frank Lampard keen for him to stay.
Both the Gunners and Tottenham are understood to be interested in the Blues ace, who is seeking a three-year deal.
It has been claimed that the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star has been offered to Mikel Arteta’s side as a cut-price replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
But Arsenal legend Keown has stated that he doubts whether Willian will indeed link up with his former employers.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I don’t see him going to Arsenal.
“I think he’s aiming for Barcelona or Real Madrid. He’s an incredible talent.
“Chelsea will be weaker if he goes but Frank Lampard knows what he’s doing. I’m sure he wants to keep him.”
Willian recently revealed that he could follow in the path of former team-mates Petr Cech and David Luiz and join one of Chelsea’a rivals.
When asked about his future, he declared: “It really is a hard decision. I identified myself a lot at Chelsea, I have a lot of love for everyone at the club, and the fans.
“However, it is like I said before, if I leave Chelsea with no trouble and leaving the doors open, it would be fine to move to a rival club.”
Before adding: “I like London and my family likes it too but that’s a question I don’t know how to answer.
“I don’t know which club I’m going to or if I’m staying here at Chelsea or if I’m leaving to another London club or if I’m leaving England, that’s something I don’t know.”
