London's Arsenal Academy graduate Chris Willock has signed a five-year contract with Lisbon's Benfica. The news should be officially announced soon, but reliable sources leave no doubts. The Anglo contract with the Gunners expires on July 1, and the 19-year-old did not accept the offer to extend it. The forward has been in the capital club's ranks since he was five years old, until the end of last season when coach Arsene Wenger expressed high hopes for him. "Chris is a very gifted player, naturally strong and talented," the coach said at the time. "He has what is easily found." "In general, I would feel very comfortable if I could let him onto the field now, but of course, there is very fierce competition due to the presence of players like Walcott, Alexis, and Welbeck." "If I had to let him go, I would certainly not be afraid to do so. I think next season, he will be a player who will get a chance to show up in the first team." The talented winger indeed trained with Arsenal stars and sat on the bench during the FA Cup match against Hull City, but players like Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are above him in the coach's list. In Benfica's ranks, he should definitely get more opportunities to show his talent.
Chris Willock has signed a five-year deal with Benfica after rejecting a contract extension at Arsenal. Announcement expected shortly. pic.twitter.com/7fa1kSo2cu
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 30, 2017
