Nico Williams to Barcelona transfer has cleared the path for Arsenal to sign long-term target that Mikel Arteta ‘loves’

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have been dealt a major blow in their long-term pursuit of Nico Williams.

Williams has opted to join Barcelona as the player has informed Arsenal and a host of other top European clubs that he only wants to move to the Catalan side.

Mikel Arteta’s dream signing was Williams but now the Gunners boss will have to move on to other targets with Rodrygo from Real Madrid another option.

Arsenal are interested in Antony Gordon from Premier League rivals Newcastle however, Williams himself could open up an opportunity for Arteta to sign another long-term target that he ‘loves’.

READ MORE: What Arsenal are privately thinking about Rodrygo transfer, David Ornstein outlines ‘interest’

Arsenal can sign Ferran Torres after Nico Williams makes Barcelona move

Arsenal are long-term admirers of Ferran Torres and could now have the opportunity to sign the Spanish winger following Barcelona’s decision to sign Williams.

Torres would see himself fall further down the pecking order behind the likes of Williams, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

Arteta worked with Torres at Manchester City and according to TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey, the Gunners boss ‘loves’ the winger.

Bailey stated: “Firstly with Ferran Torres’ situation — Mikel Arteta loves Torres from his time at City and he knows how City highly rated him. Arteta knows what Torres could bring to Arsenal but he’s not the only manager who likes him.”

Ferran Torres’ Premier League record

Torres worked under Pep Guardiola for two and a half seasons at City and at 25 years of age, represents a player that can still develop and improve.

It is thought that Barcelona value Torres around the £30m mark and it would represent the chance for Arsenal to sign a player with proven Premier League experience.

Torres can play on both flanks, providing the option to rotate Bukayo Saka and push Gabriel Martinelli into finding his best form once again.

At just £30m, Arsenal could then free up funds to spend in other areas of the squad with the Gunners desperate for a striker and potentially needing another midfielder if Thomas Partey departs.