Arsenal could be looking to bolster their forward department in the January transfer window and they are heavily interested in signing Nico Williams.
The Gunners are six points behind Liverpool, having played a game more, and a few signings in January will boost their squad.
Arsenal are missing Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri through injuries, and adding depth in that area is needed at some point, be it this month or next summer.
According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal and Chelsea are heavily keen to sign Williams, who has other suitors as well.
Arteta wants to sign him now, but the finances involved make it highly unlikely. The Spanish international is not agitating to leave the Basque club, and any potential suitor will have to meet his £50 million release clause in full.
David Ornstein says that if we bring his salary part into consideration, it becomes even more difficult for the Gunners to lure him away from the La Liga club.
Should Arsenal spend big on Nico Williams?
The Gunners may feel the need to strengthen the squad in the winter market to close the gap with Liverpool at the top.
Williams made his senior debut for Bilbao in 2020 after spending time at the club’s youth academy. He has made over 145 appearances already and has 22 goals to his name.
Last season, he scored eight goals for Bilbao and has started the 2024/25 campaign strongly. The 22-year-old has scored two goals and provided five assists in all competitions and would be a fantastic signing for the Gunners.
Known for his dribbling and crossing abilities, the Spaniard is also good at playing out key passes. He manages 1.8 key passes per game, as per whoscored.
Arsenal will not be able to reduce the asking price for Williams, whether it is in January or next summer. So, it’s better to get him now and give themselves a proper chance of challenging for the league title.
