Arsenal’s Arteta has a strong inclination towards signing a £200,000-per-week star instead of any other attacking player.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a clear preference for signing a £200,000-per-week star over any other attacker. This decision could potentially come with a high price tag.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has a specific choice in mind for a new forward signing at London Colney, which may prove to be a costly endeavor.
Arsenal is looking to bring in a new forward along with three other key summer additions.
Negotiations for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori are progressing well, following the agreement of personal terms with the player last week.
Reports suggest that Calafiori is close to joining Arsenal, with reliable sources like Fabrizio Romano confirming the news.
This move comes after the 22-year-old’s impressive performances for Bologna and Italy at Euro 2024.
Calafiori’s versatility in playing both as a centre-back and out wide in the full-back position provides Arteta with the opportunity to strengthen multiple areas of the team at once.
Reports suggest that Arsenal’s summer transfer plans include not only a new defender, but also a goalkeeper, midfielder, and forward, as targeted by sporting director Edu.
The search for an alternative to Bukayo Saka is particularly interesting, given the England star’s impressive stats from last season.
While Saka scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists, Arsenal lacks a standout replacement in case of injury to the winger.
Arsenal has shown interest in Lille’s Edon Zhegrova as a cost-effective option at £17 million, while Spain’s Nico Williams is another winger on their radar.
Williams, who plays for Athletic Bilbao, has caught the eye with his performances at the Euros and an impressive goal tally of 19 in the previous season for his La Liga club.
Arsenal have reportedly informed Williams that they are willing to pay his £50 million release clause, but his £200,000-per-week wages at 21 years old could pose a challenge.
Arteta is keen on bringing Nico Williams to Arsenal as his top choice for a forward signing.
The Athletic reports that Williams is Arteta’s preferred option, but it is uncertain if Arsenal will make a formal approach to Bilbao.
Renowned journalist Charles Watts has previously stated that the player’s salary demands could be a major obstacle in reaching a deal, noting that Arsenal has made efforts to manage their wage bill in recent years.
“Wages are also a significant issue in Williams’ case. Athletic Club is known for paying high salaries to keep their team together, given the unique way the club operates,” Watts told CaughtOffside.
Williams is reportedly earning a substantial salary, and it has been rumored that potential suitors have been taken aback by the amount he is seeking to transfer this summer.
While Arsenal is known for offering competitive wages, they have made significant efforts to manage their wage bill in recent years. Therefore, they are unlikely to make any rash decisions that would jeopardize their progress in this area.
