Arsenal have now identified an "unbelievable" player as their number one target on the left-wing, and there is a belief he would be the ideal addition to the squad, according to a report.
Gunners set sights on new winger
Gabriel Martinelli has shown some promising signs in the second half of the campaign, most recently scoring in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, but the Gunners appear to be increasingly keen on bringing in competition for the Brazilian.
Most recently, the north Londoners started work on a move for AC Milan's Rafael Leao, with sporting director Andrea Berta personally identifying the Portugal international as a transfer target, although the £85m asking price could be an obstacle.
Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane, who is yet to sign a new contract to extend his stay in the Bundesliga, has also emerged as an option for Mikel Arteta's side, with the German's agent keen for his client to move to the Emirates Stadium.
Belgium's Eden Hazard Related
[Arteta's a fan: Arsenal racing to sign "entertaining" Hazard-esque maestro](https://www.footballfancast.com/artetas-arsenal-racing-to-sign-alberto-moleiro-hazard-comparisons/ "Arteta's a fan: Arsenal racing to sign "entertaining" Hazard-esque maestro")
The Gunners have set their sights on a midfielder, who has been likened to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard.
However, according to a report from The Daily Mail, a different winger is Arsenal's number one target for the summer transfer window, namely Athletic Club's Nico Williams, with the Spaniard viewed as the ideal option to compete for Martinelli's starting spot.
Leandro Trossard is currently exploring a move to the Saudi Pro League, which may exacerbate the need for the Gunners to bring in a new winger, and Williams is their top target to provide competition for Martinelli, who has been inconsistent this season.
Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams in action with Rangers' Ridvan Yilmaz
Chelsea are also interested in the left-winger, however, which could complicate a deal, with Leao and Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens being identified as potential alternative targets for Arteta's side, should they miss out on the Athletic Club star.
"Unbelievable" Williams could be "ideal" for Arteta
Amid previous links with the Spain international, Arsenal-supporting scout Ben Mattinson claimed the forward could be "ideal" for Arteta, given his ability to play on both flanks and drive at opposition defences.
The left-winger also caught the eye during Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, with BBC broadcaster John Bennett singling him out for high praise.
Having impressed for his national side last summer, the 22-year-old is currently enjoying an impressive campaign in La Liga, with five goals and five assists to his name, while also providing seven goal contributions in the Europa League.
It is clear that Arteta needs to bring in competition for Martinelli this summer, and Williams' performances this season more than justify an outlay of £48m.