Arsenal 'willing to pay what it takes' for Arteta's dream target

Tom Weber

Updated: 23 Aug 2024 17:43 BST
4 min read

Nico Williams is Arsenal's top target for the final week of the window, but the Gunners accept that signing him is almost impossible, according to a report.

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It has been a fairly low-key summer for Arsenal. While they have been involved in two drawn-out transfer sagas, there was always a calmness that the Gunners' pursuits of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino would end in success

The only disappointing aspect of the window so far has been Arsenal's inability to reinforce their attack, namely by signing a top-class No.9. Benjamin Sesko was supposed to be that man, but he snubbed Premier League suitors to continue his development at RB Leipzig.

There was also interest in Newcastle's Alexander Isak, but the Magpies refused to even entertain the idea of selling their star forward. Viktor Gyokeres, meanwhile, is simply too pricey, with Arsenal not believing that his €100 million realise clause is value for money.

This has forced Mikel Arteta to look at other options and, according to The Independent, winger Nico Williams is the Spaniard's dream target for the final week of the window.

Arsenal still want Williams - but he's unattainable

The Gunners, of course, have been linked with the European champions all summer. They initially left the race over reported concerns regarding the financial package required to sign him. In addition to his €58m release clause, the 22-year-old would command a hefty wage.

The above-mentioned report, however, casts doubt on this. It is stated that Arsenal have two different budgets available to them: one for immediate starters who would upgrade the team and one for 'Leandro Trossard-style' signings - market opportunities who won't require them to break the bank but who may only be squad players.

Once Arsenal have identified someone who falls into the former category, they are 'willing to pay what it takes,' while the budget for the latter is significantly lower. Williams is the kind of player who would be an instant upgrade. However, the problem is that Arsenal know - or believe - that he doesn't want to move.

Williams has been handed the No.10 shirt at his boyhood side Athletic Club and will remain for at least one more season. Afterwards, he is expected to move to Barcelona as his preference is to stay in Spain.

This means that though Arsenal retain an interest in the Spaniard, they know that they will have to sound out the market for what will likely only be a Trossard-type of player. The report confirms that Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is an option.