Mikel Arteta targets the Athletic Bilbao star as Arsenal seeks reinforcements following Bukayo Saka’s injury setback.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has set his sights on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams as a key target for the January transfer window, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
With the Gunners trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by six points and dealing with the absence of star winger Bukayo Saka, Arteta is eager to bolster his squad for the second half of the season.
Reinforcements Needed
Arsenal has enjoyed a strong Premier League campaign so far but has struggled to keep pace with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. The recent loss of Saka to hamstring surgery has heightened the urgency to secure reinforcements, particularly in wide attack.
“Nico Williams has a host of suitors; Arsenal and Chelsea are high among them,” wrote Ornstein. “Arteta would like to sign Williams in this window, but the finances involved make it highly unlikely. His release clause stands at just shy of €60 million, and when his salary is factored in, a January move becomes even more difficult.”
Financial Hurdles
Williams, 21, has been on the radar of several top clubs, including Liverpool, who explored a deal last summer. However, Athletic Bilbao’s demands remain steep. Any suitor would need to activate his €60 million release clause, which fluctuates with inflation, and offer a competitive salary package.
While Arsenal’s management acknowledges the financial strain of such a deal, Ornstein notes that a summer transfer may be more feasible unless club owners step in to fund the move.
In the short term, Arsenal may explore alternative options, including loans from foreign leagues, as the club has already used its two permitted Premier League loans for the season.
Squad Stability Amid Tight Schedule
Despite transfer speculation, The Athletic reports that Arsenal is not actively looking to offload any first-team players in January. With a congested schedule and ongoing injury concerns, Arteta is reluctant to part with squad depth.
A Critical Window for Arsenal
As the Gunners gear up for the second half of the season, Arteta’s focus on Williams underscores his determination to keep Arsenal in contention for the title. Whether the financial pieces fall into place remains to be seen, but the pursuit of Williams highlights the club’s ambitions to compete at the highest level.
With time ticking down to the January transfer deadline, Arsenal fans will watch closely to see if Arteta can secure the reinforcements needed to challenge Liverpool for Premier League supremacy.
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