Nico Williams is a player who features on Arsenal’s priority list of transfer targets this summer.
As reported by David Ornstein for The Athletic, Williams figures highly in Arsenal’s plans, with the club looking to move for a wide player after securing the services of a new striker.
Mikel Arteta’s side were set to compete with the likes of Bayern Munich for the talented 22-year-old.
However, after trying to sign him last summer, Spanish giants Barcelona have re-entered the race for Williams, holding conversations with the player’s camp. From those, it appears that Barcelona is the winger’s preferred destination.
Following this development, Arsenal fans are split on how the club should move forward in their pursuit of a wide player.
Arsenal fans are divided on which wingers to target after Nico Williams indicates Barcelona preference
There was a common feeling of frustration among Arsenal fans on social media after news broke of Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams.
For instance, one fan wrote that the Gunners losing out to Hansi Flick’s side ‘is what happens when you’re too tight with your money, trying to get cheaper options instead of going all out for Nico Williams’.
However, a lot of Gooners stated that the club should prioritise other targets, citing Williams’ lack of willingness to make the move to the Emirates.
One fan wrote: ‘We should stop negotiating immediately and change targets. If he has us as [a] second option or worse, then he can go there.’
Another added bluntly: ‘Arsenal, forget about [Williams] and look for other options.’
On this note, some Arsenal fans wanted full attention to be given to signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid.
One fan said: ‘Arsenal have to get out of the Nico Williams race. Smart money says full steam ahead and focus on getting Rodrygo.’
Interestingly, Raphinha’s name was also thrown about as someone Arsenal should target, certain fans believing that Barcelona’s prospective acquisition of Williams could see them open to selling the Brazilian.
For example, one wrote: ‘Arsenal should throw a cheeky bid in for Raphinha.’
Arsenal were interested in the former Leeds winger before he made the move to Spain. Having rejuvenated his Barcelona career under Hansi Flick, however, it seems unlikely that either he or his club would want to part ways now.
Three other wide players Arsenal are interested in
Missing out on Williams would be disappointing, but considering his wage demands and the fact he appears to have his heart set on a move to Barcelona, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
Moreover, there are other wide options Arsenal could pursue.
Rodrygo is one. While links between Arsenal and the 24-year-old have cooled in recent weeks, they continue to persist. Arsenal defender Gabriel has played his part here, saying that he’d love for Rodrygo to join him in North London.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens is another wide player that Arsenal are considering.
Gittens seemingly has his heart set on joining Chelsea, but after the Blues failed to get a deal for the 20-year-old over the line before the Club World Cup, Arsenal could hijack the transfer.
Lastly, and closer to home, Antoine Semenyo is a name that has been mentioned in conjunction with the Gunners.
After a strong season, Bournemouth’s squad is being picked apart, with Semenyo also the subject of interest from other Premier League clubs.
The Cherries have indicated that they want £70m for Semenyo, which could prove to be a stumbling block, but the 25-year-old remains an option for Arsenal nonetheless.
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