Arsenal ‘eye-up summer move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen in attack – with the Gunners also long-term admirers of Wolves’ Pedro Neto’
- Arsenal are keen to strengthen in attacking areas in the summer transfer window
- The Gunners have been linked with moves for both Nico Williams and Pedro Neto
- CHRIS SUTTON: Erik ten Hag is still on trial. He needs more than gradual improvement this season to keep his job – It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Arsenal are reportedly keeping an eye on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams ahead of a potential summer move.
The Gunners are in the midst of another fine campaign, with Mikel Arteta‘s side firmly in the title battle as they sit just two points behind Liverpool.
However, they have struggled to score on occasions, with the Reds, Man City, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle having all netted more goals in the league this season.
Williams, 21, has shone for Athletic Bilbao in recent seasons, adding 17 goals and 17 assists in 109 games for the Basque club, while he has also racked up 11 caps for Spain.
And, according to The Mirror, Arsenal scouts having been making checks on Williams.
Arsenal are keeping an eye on Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams ahead of a summer move
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to add another winger to ease the pressure on Bukayo Saka
The report claims Arteta is keen to bring in a winger in the summer to ease the pressure on Bukayo Saka and add to his attacking options.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao are reportedly determined not to sell Williams and believe the academy graduate will stay loyal to the club.
The report also goes onto claim that Arsenal are interested in Wolves star Pedro Neto, with the Gunners long-term admirers of the Portuguese attacker.
Neto is enjoying a fine campaign for Gary O’Neil’s side, contributing 10 assists and three goals in just 17 appearances, despite missing two months of action with a serious hamstring problem.
Potential moves for Neto or Williams could come amid a squad shake-up at The Emirates, with Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah all potentially heading for the exit door this summer.
Arsenal are also said to be keen to add a striker and a midfielder, with the likes of Ivan Toney and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi on their radar.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted this week that Toney – who will have just a year left on his Bees contract in the summer – will likely be sold.
Arsenal are also be long-term admirers of Wolves attacker Pedro Neto and could move for him
Both Eddie Nketiah (left) and Emile Smith Rowe (right) may head out the exit door this summer
He said: ‘It’s the same message as the whole time, I would love him to stay forever.
‘The reality is he’s got one more year left on his contract in the summer. I think he’s been pretty open about playing for a top club in the future.
‘There’s a couple of scenarios; he leaves in the summer, he leaves in the winter, or he stays until the end.
‘If he’s leaving – whatever, summer, winter or the summer after – I think it will be fantastic seeing him playing for a top club.’
The Gunners return to action on Sunday when they travel to take on West Ham, seven days on from their dramatic 3-1 victory over Liverpool.
