Arsenal will be looking to recruit well in the attacking department once the summer transfer window opens and reports have suggested that Mikel Arteta’s side have been handed a green-light in their pursuit of a £87 million-rated La Liga star.
Top of the Premier League with 12 matches left to play, much has been made of how fluid the Gunners have been when operating in the final third.
Viktor Gyokeres has not hit the ground running like many expected and it’s been the club’s rock-solid defence that has received most of the plaudits this season.
As a result, Arteta and his entourage will be keen to reinforce their ranks over the summer months and it’s been reported that one of their primary targets – who could cost £87 million – would be open to a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Key Arsenal target open to Emirates Stadium move, reports suggest
According to TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey, the Gunners are keen to add a left-winger to provide competition for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Nico Williams of Athletic Club has long been admired by the club and he was identified as a prime target when they were looking to boost their ranks last summer. He rebuffed the chance to move to north London and instead penned a new long-term deal.
Williams, 23 years of age and a 30-cap Spain international, is reportedly open to a new challenge and could be on the move this summer.
Arsenal, owing to their previous interest, are among the clubs sniffing around the winger’s signature – but they will face strong competition from Barcelona.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are a triumvirate of other Premier League clubs who have also been noted with having an interested in the Spaniard.
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Athletic Bilbao | 193 | 35 | 36 |
| Bilbao Athletic | 26 | 9 | 11 |
| CD Basconia | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What’s crucial in the tug-of-war for Nico Williams’ signature, though, is that reports suggest that Arsenal have been briefed on his availability ahead of the summer transfer window opening for business.
Any would-be buyers (the north Londoners included) would be expected to cough up a huge sum in exchange for one of the most exciting youngsters in world football and that’s because there’s reportedly a £87 million release clause in his contract.
It is understood that Arsenal’s recruitment team have been working to narrow down a list of left-wingers at Arteta’s request – and Andrea Berta, in particular, has been actively exploring potential options.
Would Williams be an upgrade for Mikel Arteta?
A certain upgrade on what Arsenal currently have at their disposal in the left-wing berth, Williams direct threat in one-v-one situations – especially compared to Leandro Trossard – would breathe new life into their front line.
For what Arteta admires in a wide man, Williams fits the bill perfectly. He’s quick, young and willing to run at defenders with will and desire – and he could be the perfect partner for Bukayo Saka, who primarily operates on the opposing flank.
How much Williams would cost is, of course, a stumbling block for many sides chasing his services but the telling fact that he is evaluating his options proves that Arsenal could finally get their hands on one of world football’s most devastating talents.
