Brazilian club Corinthians are interested in signing wantaway Arsenal winger Willian. Metro understands that the 33-year-old is considering a move back to Brazil but would rather stay in Europe if possible as his Arsenal career looks set to be over after just one season at the club.

Willian, who moved to the Gunners from Chelsea last summer, has fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta and has been told he can leave the club. He has recently tested positive for Covid-19 and missed the weekend’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea as he remained in isolation.

The usually reliable football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says the bid from Corinthians has been confirmed and Arsenal is willing to allow him to leave on a free transfer.

Romano posted on his Twitter timeline, “Corinthians’ proposal for Willian is on the table and 100 per cent confirmed. He’s ready to leave the club and he’s tempted. Willian gives priority to European clubs but Corinthians have ‘huge chances.’ Arsenal will let him leave on a free transfer in order to save his salary.”

In the absence of bids from Europe, Romano adds, Corinthians have made an official bid to Willian, confirmed. He wants to leave Arsenal since May and he’s now considering Corinthians’ proposal.  Willian has never been in talks with Al Ahli. His priority is still to European clubs, but Corinthians are now pushing.”

There were reports earlier this window that Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli wanted to sign the winger but sources close to the player said there was never an offer.

Willian is reportedly one of the highest paid players at the club, with his weekly wage reportedly well in excess of £100,000 ($139 million) a week and therefore causing a stumbling block for those trying to sign him.

The Gunners are attempting to trim their squad this summer after making five additions worth over £120 million ($165 million) already this summer.

Eddie Nketia, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac and Lucas Torreira are among those that Arsenal would be willing to sell during this window if the right offer came in.

Torreira is close to a season-long move to Fiorentina after being told by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta that he would be not part of his plans this season.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace, Brighton and an unnamed Bundesliga club are interested in Nketia, but no one has met Arsenal’s £20 (27.5 million) valuation as of yet.

• A Tell / Metro report