According The Independent, Arsenal have identified Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams as their preferred target for a wide player ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Gunners have made an outfield signing in defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer, but it may not be long before they confirm the purchase of Midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. Now he reports it The Independent that Arsenal have their sights set on signing a new wide player before the transfer window closes next week.
Bilbao native Williams is the preferred target for the position but Arsenal may not be able to sign him. The Spaniard was recently handed the number 10 shirt by the Basque side and does not want to leave his hometown club. The 22-year-old also has a medium-term goal of joining Arsenal. Barcelona and prefers to continue in the Spanish top flight.
If Arsenal fail to convince him to join, The Independent According to some reports, the club could explore a Leandro Trossard-like signing, who could bring something different. The Gunners appear willing to activate Williams' £48m release clause, but the budget would be much smaller if they opt for an alternative signing before the deadline.
Hard deal
Williams had a standout campaign for Bilbao last season, being involved in 27 goals, helping them win the Copa del Rey title. The young winger impressed for Spain at the European Championships with two goals and an assist. He scored the opening goal in the 2-1 win over England in the final of the tournament.
The striker has long been linked with leaving Bilbao but could be inclined to stay for this season. The La Liga side have a strict policy of only signing players from the Basque Country region and it may not be easy to secure a quality replacement for Williams with the transfer deadline on August 30.
Arsenal may have plans to repeat Thomas Partey's feat from the summer of 2020, but the scenario is quite different with Williams not looking to leave. Arsenal can make a big statement by securing his services, but as things stand, it looks like they will have to wait until next summer to land him.
The Gunners could opt for a signing like Trossard. Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman and ChelseaRaheem Sterling are some of the names that spring to mind. However, both players are on significant weekly wages at their respective clubs. Arsenal should not think beyond a loan deal for either of them this summer.
