Mikel Arteta now has a huge chance to convince ‘world-class’ transfer target to join Arsenal

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta has the opportunity to convince an Arsenal transfer target to complete a switch to the Emirates.

Andrea Berta spent big in the transfer window, signing eight players for in excess of £250 million to significantly bolster Arteta’s squad.

The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze arrived for substantial fees, while several more joined the North Londoners for more modest sums to play squad roles in N5.

Arsenal take on Athletic Club on Tuesday evening, in what could be a hugely important clash for the Gunners’ pursuit of one specific player.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Mikel Arteta can convince Nico Williams to sign for Arsenal with win over Athletic Club

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Nico Williams over the summer.

The Spanish winger has impressed in recent seasons in Bilbao, scoring eleven goals and registering seven assists in a particularly productive campaign last term.

His form for his club, as well as his electric performances at Euro 2024, prompted the Gunners and many others to express interest in him.

However, the Bilbao native opted to remain at his boyhood club, signing a lucrative new long-term contract over the summer.

That said, this may not have ended Arsenal’s interest in the player. Williams could still be tempted by the bright lights of the Emirates and North London.

The 23-year-old may even be seduced by the Gunners at the Estadio de San Mames on Tuesday evening.

Williams will miss the Champions League clash through injury, but he’ll likely be in attendance, and could be attracted to a potential move to North London if he witnesses a resounding Arsenal victory.

The prospect of playing with great players in an exceptionally functional team could appeal to him more by experiencing Arteta’s team’s quality in the flesh.

Thus, the Spanish manager should view Tuesday night’s game as an opportunity to sell Arsenal’s project to one of the most talented young wide men in Europe.

Do Arsenal still need Nico Williams?

Arsenal signed Madueke and Eze this summer to improve their wide forward department.

Thus, it could be argued that there is no reason for them to dip back into the market for a winger again in an upcoming window.

However, Leandro Trossard could easily be sold in January or the summer, while Gabriel Martinelli’s future is also uncertain due to recent struggles.

If both the Belgian and the Brazilian depart, then Arsenal will likely need to add another wide player to their squad.

Williams has been described as ‘world-class’, is loved by Arteta, and thus, perfectly fits the bill for the Gunners.