Edu can help Mikel Arteta achieve his ideal Arsenal attack by securing a £42 million transfer from La Liga.
During the 2023/24 campaign, Arsenal set multiple new club records. The Gunners achieved their highest number of wins in a Premier League season (28) and scored the most goals in their Premier League history (91). Only Manchester City, with 96 goals, outscored Mikel Arteta’s team, which is unsurprising given players like Erling Haaland in their lineup.
Despite Arsenal’s impressive scoring, there have been calls for the club to sign a traditional No.9 striker this summer. Benjamin Sesko was linked with a move before committing to RB Leipzig, and names like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Joshua Zirkzee have been mentioned. However, it was never the plan to sign a prolific striker this summer. According to a February report by football.london, Arsenal was unlikely to seek an out-and-out No.9 in the upcoming transfer window, confident in their current squad’s options.
Instead, Arsenal aims to sign a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line, as evidenced by Leandro Trossard’s impact since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both proved effective as target men last season, and with Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, and Gabriel Martinelli in the squad, Arsenal believes they have the necessary profiles to compete for top trophies.
However, Arsenal is interested in enhancing their forward line, with Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao being closely monitored. The 21-year-old impressed last season with eight goals and 17 assists in 37 appearances and has a €50 million (£42.1 million) release clause. Williams, part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, has also attracted interest from Barcelona and Tottenham.
Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, highlighted the team’s strong goal-scoring ability and openness to improving the front line earlier this year. He stated that while the fans’ desire for a striker is understood, the club is focused on their own targets and plans to continually improve.
Any potential deal for Williams may have to wait until after Euro 2024, finishing on July 14. With Spain’s group stage matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania, Arteta and Edu will have the chance to evaluate Williams before deciding on a move.