- Arsenal wants to strengthen its attacking areas in the summer transfer market
- The Gunners have been linked with moves for both Nico Williams and Pedro Neto.
- CHRIS SUTTON: Erik ten Hag is still on trial. He needs more than incremental improvement this season to keep his job. everything is beginning podcast
Arsenal are reportedly keeping an eye on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams ahead of a potential summer transfer.
The Gunners are in the midst of another good campaign, with Mikel Arteta’s side firmly in the title battle as they sit just two points behind Liverpool.
However, they have struggled to score at times – the Reds, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle have all scored more goals in the league this season.
Williams, 21, has shone for Athletic Bilbao in recent seasons, racking up 17 goals and 17 assists in 109 games for the Basque club, while also making 11 international appearances for Spain.
And according MirrorArsenal scouts have been monitoring Williams.
Arsenal closely monitoring Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams ahead of summer move
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to add another winger to ease the pressure on Bukayo Saka.
The report claims that Arteta is interested in bringing in a winger in the summer to ease pressure on Bukayo Saka and increase his attacking options.
Williams signed a new contract last year so any deal is unlikely to come cheap, while teams such as Real Madrid, Aston Villa and Liverpool are also interested in him.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao are determined not to sell Williams and believe the youth player will remain loyal to the club.
The report also claims that Arsenal are interested in Wolves star Pedro Neto and that the Gunners are long-time admirers of the Portuguese attacker.
Neto is enjoying a good campaign for Gary O’Neil’s side, contributing 10 assists and three goals in just 17 appearances, despite missing two months of action with a serious hamstring problem.
Possible moves for Neto or Williams could come amid a team reshuffle at The Emirates, with Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah potentially heading for the exit door this summer.
Arsenal are also said to be interested in adding a striker and a midfielder, with the likes of Real Sociedad’s Ivan Toney and Martín Zubimendi on their radar.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted this week that Toney, who will have just one year left on his Bees contract in the summer, is likely to be sold.
Arsenal are also long-time admirers of Wolves attacker Pedro Neto and could make a move for him.
Both Eddie Nketiah (left) and Emile Smith Rowe (right) can walk out the starting gate this summer.
He said: “It’s the same message all the time, I’d love for it to stay forever.”
“The reality is that he has one more year left on his contract in the summer. I think he has been quite open about playing for a major club in the future.
‘There are a couple of scenarios; He leaves in the summer, he leaves in the winter or he stays until the end.
“If he leaves, whether it’s summer, winter or next summer, I think it will be fantastic to see him play for a top club.”
The Gunners return to action on Sunday when they travel to face West Ham, seven days after their dramatic 3-1 victory over Liverpool.
