Arsenal won’t have to wait much longer to begin their summer transfer business, with the window set to open on June 1.
After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to rivals Liverpool, Mikel Arteta will be focused on bringing in key reinforcements to help them go one step further next season.
For now, the focus is on securing second place, despite Manchester City narrowing the gap to just two points. However, a win at Anfield on Sunday could see that gap extended to five points.
Here, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal headlines from in and around the Emirates Stadium.
Nico Williams 'alternative'
According to the Daily Mail, the Athletic Bilbao star is viewed as the ideal candidate to challenge Gabriel Martinelli for a spot next season.
However, if that move proves impossible, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao are reportedly being considered as alternatives.
Arteta has been a long-term admirer of Williams, however, it remains to be seen whether he can be persuaded over a move this summer. Aston Villa’s efforts to bring the Spaniard to the Premier League last year were unsuccessful.
football.london says: " While Arteta has long been an admirer of Nico Williams, that doesn’t guarantee the winger will agree to a move to Arsenal this summer—especially after he recently hinted he’d prefer to stay at his boyhood club if they qualify for next season’s Champions League. With that in mind, it’s encouraging to see that Arsenal have already identified alternative targets should Williams turn down a switch to the Emirates.
"Each of the three players would offer something unique to Arteta’s side. Williams is a creative winger with blistering pace while Leao brings physicality, flair, and top-level experience. Bynoe-Gittens stands out as a young, explosive talent with huge potential. Though Williams may currently be the priority, both Leao and Bynoe-Gittens could represent smarter long-term investments, given their age and potential resale value."
Arsenal's Alexander Isak 'stance'
According to the BBC, Alexander Isak remains at the top of Arteta's wishlist and is reportedly open to a move to London. The Gunners have tracked the striker for several years, but his price has increased with each transfer window.
The main stumbling block is his valuation, with reports suggesting that Arsenal acknowledge signing him would consume the vast majority of their transfer budget. That said, the door isn’t entirely closed on a potential move.
If Newcastle qualify for the Champions League, however, it would further complicate any serious attempt to prise him away
football.london says: "Given his calibre, it's no surprise that Isak remains high on Arsenal’s wishlist. The 25-year-old has adapted impressively to the Premier League, consistently delivering goals and standout performances. Arsenal’s lack of a clinical goal scorer has arguably cost them the title another season, and Isak offers many of the qualities they currently lack.
"Despite his hefty price tag, he is viewed by Arteta as a high-reward signing."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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