Arsenal to rival Liverpool in STUNNING transfer for world-class Nico Williams alternative

Suraj Radia

Updated: 18 Apr 2025 11:11 BST
3 min read

Nico Williams, Athletic Club, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal could pivot from their long-standing interest in Nico Williams to compete with their Premier League rivalo for an elite option to solve their attacking dilemma this summer.

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The Gunners will be in the market for at least one forward in the transfer window and Williams was expected to be among their top targets, particularly with the recent development that Barcelona are set to drop out of the race for the Athletic Bilbao star.

However, CaughtOffside report that Arsenal may turn their attention to Ousmane Dembele after his standout season for Paris Saint-Germain, with Mikel Arteta set to get a closer look at the Frenchman when the two sides meet in the Champions League semi-final.

Compared

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

VS

Ousmane Dembélé

F (CR)

PSG

Ousmane Dembélé

F (CR)

PSG

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

48	Appearances	45
3374	Minutes Played	3070
12	Goals	31
12	Assists	9
76	Key Passes	109
1090	Passes	1612
102	Shots Total	166

A positive performance could see Arsenal convinced to make a push for Dembele, with the Gunners listed as one of the 27-year-old’s biggest admirers alongside Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, Arsenal’s attempt to turn Dembele’s head will be unwelcomed by PSG, who are hoping to tie their top scorer to a new contract after his return of 32 goals in 42 matches across all competitions this season.

With Dembele still having three years remaining on his current deal, Arsenal would likely require a substantial offer to even tempt PSG into a sale but Arteta may see the winger’s credentials as a valid reason to splash out on a world-class addition to his title-chasing squad.

Dembele audition could determine transfer future for Arsenal

Dembele is having by far the most productive season of his career and his arrival would give Arsenal a proven upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli, who has continued to have an inconsistent campaign in front of goal.

Arsenal still see Williams as a top target but the 22-year-old’s return of five goals and five assists in La Liga this season is perhaps more comparable to Martinelli than Dembele.

With the Gunners aiming to prove their pedigree with Champions League success this season, Arteta may push for a significant upgrade to his attacking options in order to finally break Arsenal’s Premier League title limitations.

However, Dembele’s ETV has increased by more than 50% in the last six months and PSG could demand a fee closer to €100 million to part ways with their talisman, suggesting Arsenal may need to reassess their transfer priorities if they are to target him this summer.

A lot will perhaps come down to Dembele’s display across the two legs of PSG’s Champions League tie against Arsenal later this month in an impromptu audition for a big-money Premier League move.

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