Arsenal are preparing to renew their efforts to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao before the transfer deadline.
Williams was a target for Arsenal earlier in the transfer window after starring for Spain during this summer’s European Championship. The 22-year-old was one of the key figures in Spain’s success and scored the opening goal of the Euro 2024 final win over England.
Mikel Arteta wants to add another forward to his options and Williams is high on Arsenal’s wish-list. Barcelona were favourites to sign Williams and appeared likely to get a deal done, but the economic issues at the Catalan side have proven problematic to the transfer.
Arsenal are now considering capitalising on the breakdown of those talks with a fresh attempt to convince Williams to move to North London.
According to The Independent, there is an acceptance that Williams’ preference is to remain in Spain, though Arsenal are weighing up a new charm offensive. Arsenal are understood to be willing to ‘go big’ for the right player, but will move on to lower priority targets if unable to do so.
Arsenal have also been linked with Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who has held talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a move to France. The London-born Nigeria international scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Arteta also discussed his admiration for Raheem Sterling ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Aston Villa, having worked with the 29-year-old at former club Manchester City. Sterling is free to leave Chelsea before the August 30 deadline.
