Arsenal are reportedly in talks with more than six different wingers after it was revealed that a deal for Nico Williams is now possible
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Arsenal are reportedly in discussions with up to six high-profile wingers as the transfer deadline looms this Friday. Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his squad’s depth following a recent injury to key forward Gabriel Jesus, which has forced the club back into the market.
Arteta had previously hinted that Arsenal might not sign any additional forwards this summer. However, Gabriel Jesus’ injury has shifted the club’s focus, and despite the expectation that top target Nico Williams will remain at Athletic Bilbao for another season, the Gunners have continued their pursuit of reinforcements.
Respected journalist David Ornstein confirmed that signing Williams this summer is unlikely, but Arsenal remains active in the market. New arrivals are anticipated before the transfer window closes, with the club working hard to finalise deals.
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Arsenal have already secured the permanent signings of David Raya from Brentford and Riccardo Calafiori, with Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino expected to be announced soon. On the departure front, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are the most likely candidates to leave before Friday’s deadline.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, Arteta highlighted the importance of strengthening the squad: “We are really happy with the squad we have,” he said. “It is true we have an injury with Gabriel Jesus, and we missed him. So we are a little bit short. If we can do something, we will do it, but at the moment, we love the ones we have; they are really, really good.”
David Ornstein, speaking to NBC, added, “Arsenal want backup in the wide positions. All the fans are asking for Nico Williams, but that is going to be impossible to do. Let’s see if they can find someone else.”
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The Gunners have been linked with several high-profile wingers, including Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman, PSV’s Johan Bakayoko, and Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been on Arsenal’s radar despite his recent move to Chelsea.
Additionally, Arsenal have shown interest in Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Brighton’s Simon Adingra. Both players have impressed over the past season and could provide valuable depth for a title-challenging squad.
Lookman, who starred in last season’s Europa League final with a hat trick against Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly eager to leave Atalanta. He missed their Serie A opener against Lecce and has refused to train, fueling speculation of a potential transfer. Atalanta values Lookman at around €50 million and may offer him an improved contract to keep him. However, a player-plus-cash deal involving Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior has also been mooted.
Meanwhile, Arsenal made contact with Brighton last week regarding Adingra, but Brighton has reportedly indicated that the player is not for sale. Adingra, valued at around £26 million, is a versatile winger capable of playing on both flanks and could help manage Bukayo Saka’s game time.
With the transfer window closing soon, Edu and his team are working against the clock to secure one of these targets before the deadline
