Arsenal are ready to pay above and beyond to secure the signing of Nico Williams, a report has claimed, and when the deal could go through – as well as the player’s thoughts on joining the Gunners – has also come to light.
The north London side are yet to add to their squad so far during the winter window despite trying and failing to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa last week and having hovered with intent around several other striker deals, including Dusan Vlahovic. However, while Sunday’s thumping 5-1 victory over Manchester City illustrates the calibre of the Arsenal squad, Mikel Arteta has not hidden from the fact that he would very much like to add more firepower up front.
And with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both currently sidelined – the latter for a lengthy spell after a serious ACL injury – there is the feeling that the Arsenal attack still lacks the quality and depth to seriously challenge for the game’s biggest prizes.
However, reports on Monday claim the Gunners are unlikely to spring any late transfer surprises but are already making plans for the summer window by targeting a deal for Athletic Bilbao star Williams – a player Arteta has long admired.
Prising the 24-cap Spain winger away from the Estadio San Mames has always been a difficult task, however, owing to the winger’s huge €58m (£48.2m, $59.6m) release clause which has needed to be paid in full.
