Arteta to Replace Underperforming Arsenal Players, Eyes La Liga Star
Arsenal are reportedly planning a summer shake-up to strengthen their attacking options, with Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams at the top of their wish list. The Gunners, who are currently competing for the Premier League title, have struggled to find consistent goal scorers this season. In fact, there are 10 top-flight teams with players who have scored more goals than Arsenal’s leading scorer, Bukayo Saka, who has eight goals to his name.
To address this issue, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to bring in a new winger to provide cover and competition for Saka. The club has set their sights on Nico Williams, a talented 21-year-old winger from Athletic Bilbao. Williams has caught the attention of several top clubs and has impressed with his performances this season, contributing six assists and three goals. Arsenal has already scouted him and he is ahead of Wolves winger Pedro Neto on their wish list.
However, Arsenal will face stiff competition for Williams’ signature. Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Aston Villa are also interested in the young winger. Additionally, dealing with Athletic Bilbao can be challenging, as the club only allows players from the Basque region to play for them. It is likely that they will demand the payment of Williams’ release clause.
In order to make room for new signings, Arteta is willing to offload two underperforming attackers. Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah are reportedly on the chopping block. Nketiah, despite being Arsenal’s joint-second top scorer, has only managed five goals in 21 Premier League appearances. Smith Rowe, on the other hand, has only contributed one assist and has started in the first eleven only twice.
Aside from Nico Williams, Arsenal is also considering a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi if Thomas Partey is offloaded. Arteta is said to be a big fan of Zubimendi and sees him as a potential addition to the squad.
Overall, Arsenal’s pursuit of Nico Williams and their willingness to offload struggling attackers demonstrate their commitment to strengthening their squad for future success. With competition from other top clubs and the challenges of dealing with Athletic Bilbao, it remains to be seen if Arsenal can secure the signing of Williams. However, Arteta’s determination to revamp the team’s attacking options shows that the Gunners are determined to compete at the highest level.