Arsenal remain determined to secure Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as they aim to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window.
Reports suggest the Gunners are actively engaging with the player’s agent and are poised to act swiftly to finalize the signing of the Spanish international, who has a €58 million release clause in his contract with the Basque side.
However, Arsenal’s next move depends on Williams agreeing to the transfer—a condition they failed to meet during their pursuit of the player last summer. If the 22-year-old approves the deal, Mikel Arteta’s team is ready to trigger his release clause.
This potential acquisition is seen as a cost-effective alternative to AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, another Arsenal target valued between €75–€80 million. Williams’ lower release clause offers a financially viable solution for the London club.
The urgency to strengthen their attacking options has been amplified by Bukayo Saka’s injury, which is expected to sideline the England star for up to three months. Saka’s absence has left a significant gap on the right wing, exposing Arsenal’s lack of depth in wide positions.
While Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard provide flexibility, both players are more natural on the left flank. Williams could fill the void on the right wing temporarily and later compete for a starting role, adding balance to the squad.
Arsenal’s need for reinforcements is further complicated by the struggles and unavailability of Raheem Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, who has failed to impress and is currently injured.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, are reportedly prepared for Williams’ departure and have identified Norwich City’s Borja Sainz as his potential replacement.
At just 22 years old, Nico Williams is regarded as one of Spain’s brightest young talents, boasting exceptional pace, technical ability, and the versatility to play on either flank.
His skill set fits seamlessly into Arteta’s tactical framework, and his release clause aligns well with Arsenal’s financial planning, offering high-quality reinforcement at a reasonable cost.
Securing Williams would not only address Arsenal’s immediate needs but also enhance their attacking depth, fostering healthy competition among Saka, Martinelli, and Trossard. This addition would help Arsenal stay competitive in their pursuit of the Premier League title and European success.
Whether Williams or another marquee signing joins the squad, Arsenal are committed to maintaining their momentum and strengthening their bid for silverware this season.
Arsenal told to ‘break the bank’ for £75m player who can ‘take them to another level’
Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson has called on the club to “go all out” to secure Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
The Swedish international showcased his talent once again with a standout performance against Manchester United on Monday, scoring the opening goal in Newcastle’s 2-0 victory with a well-placed header.
Arsenal has been strongly linked with the 25-year-old forward, who has also reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
Merson believes that even with Gabriel Jesus showing improved form, Arsenal should make a substantial bid to bring Isak to the Emirates.
“If I were Arsenal, and I had the money I’d go out any buy Isak,” he told Sky Sports News. “I’d break the bank for him. I think he’s the best of the best and I think he takes Arsenal to another level.
“I’m looking at the all-round picture and I’m looking at next season as well. I think if he can get hold of Isak, who I think is the best in the business at the moment, I think that will be a massive coup for Arsenal.”
Merson even said he would prefer to take Isak over Manchester City striker Erling Haaland at the moment. “The way Arsenal play I would have to go with Isak,” he added. “He probably suits Arsenal more than Haaland.”
CIES estimates Alexander Isak’s current value at approximately £75 million. With more than three years remaining on his contract, Newcastle are expected to demand a substantial fee for the Swedish forward.
Reports suggest Isak has expressed a desire for Champions League football to remain at St James’ Park. However, despite winning four consecutive league matches, Eddie Howe’s team faces uncertainty in securing a top-four finish, as they currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.
Meanwhile, Arsenal closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool to six points with a 3-1 victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day, though they have played one game more than their rivals. While advocating for the signing of Isak, Paul Merson also commended Gabriel Jesus for his recent resurgence, highlighted by another goal in the Brentford match.
“What I like about Jesus he’s got back in the team and he’s said ‘you know what I’m gonna get in the box’,” he said. “’I need to score goals if I’m going to stay in this football team’. And that’s what he’s done. Now he’s got six in four and that goal yesterday was a proper poachers goal.”
Kai Havertz leads Arsenal’s league scoring charts for the 2024/25 season with seven goals. However, the spotlight on Arsenal’s attacking options has intensified following Bukayo Saka’s injury setback, as the winger is expected to be sidelined until March after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury.
