Arsenal are likely to make several additions to their forward department this summer.
A marquee striker is the top priority for the Gunners, but they are also eyeing a versatile winger.
According to Sport (page 4), the London giants are ready to pay Nico William’s current €62 million (£54m) release clause at Athletic Bilbao.
The Gunners are prepared to hand him a salary of €173,000 (£147,000) after tax, but Williams seems to be leaning towards a move to Barcelona.
The 22-year-old is aware Luis Diaz is the Blaugrana’s top target, but he is willing to do everything possible to make a transfer happen.
The Spaniard is ready to adapt sportingly and financially at Barcelona, but the Catalan outfit have yet to make any approach for him.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are ‘bidding hard’ for Williams and have offered a net salary that Barcelona and Athletic cannot match.
As things stand, Williams has reportedly asked for time. He may only consider an alternative solution if Barcelona cannot pursue a deal.
Arsenal should move on from Williams
The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Spain international, and it has been reported that manager Mikel Arteta is keen to sign him.
However, the Spaniard has shown no intention of joining the Gunners thus far, and he is instead focused on a dream transfer to Barcelona instead.
In our view, the club should move on from Williams and pursue an alternative target. They can’t afford another long transfer saga this summer.
It is known that Williams prefers to join the Spanish champions. With the transfer window having just reopened, he could play the waiting game.
Hence, Arsenal should explore other options. Ideally, the club should pursue a winger with Premier League experience who can adapt quickly.
Brentford’s Antoine Semenyo would be a good fit. He registered 13 goals and seven assists from 42 appearances in all competitions last term.
Similar to Williams, he can comfortably play on either wing. Semenyo has also demonstrated his extra versatility by scoring goals with either foot.
The Ghanaian won’t come on the cheap with four years left on his Cherries deal. A package of £50m could be required to test Bournemouth’s resolve.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com