Arsenal boss wants to sign Athletic Bilbao star in January | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would like to sign Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams in this transfer window, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

However, Athletioc’s financial demands make it highly unlikely for a move to happen and the Spain international is also not agitating to leave this month.

Williams has been involved in 34 goals since the start of last season, and Arsenal could do with such an attacker during the second half of the season.

They could be without Bukayo Saka until March or April following surgery, and they need a quality replacement.

Arsenal must pay his €60 million release clause in full and meet his personal demands to sign Williams this month, making a move very tricky.

A summer deal appears to be more realistic, and the Gunners may need to wait until then to get their man.

Arteta is a huge admirer of the Spanish winger, given his versatility, pace and creativity. However, he must look elsewhere for the attacking reinforcements he badly craves.

Williams is reportedly open to a Premier League move after a deal to join Barcelona fell through last summer

The Gunners will have a fierce battle on their hands if they look to sign him next summer, with Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Liverpool also keen on securing his services.

Arsenal have been linked with a loan interest in Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, but it is unclear whether the Seagulls are open to a deal.

They need to strengthen their options in attack to have a realistic chance of pipping Liverpool to the title, and Arteta will be desperate to land a quality forward capable of significantly improving his side.