Arsenal were prepared to hand £250,000-a-week deal to Chelsea star

Arsenal were reportedly in discussions over a £250,000-a-week contract with Chelsea winger Willian before the coronavirus outbreak earlier this year.

The Blues have so failed to meet Willian's demands for a three-year contract and he is likely to leave on a free transfer when the season concludes.

The Gunners are obviously one of the admirers of the Brazil international and The Mirror reports that they were willing to hand the attacker with a bumper £250,000-a-week deal before the pandemic.

It is added that the north London side can no longer afford the salary package because of the financial losses incurred during the extended three-month break without competitive football.

Willian has bagged eight goals and seven assists for the Blues this term. He recently scored the winning penalty in the 2-1 triumph over Manchester City in the Premier League.

The victory has strengthened the Blues' grip on the fourth position ahead of the likes of Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. They are presently five points ahead of the duo on the table.