Arsenal were linked to a host of players during the summer transfer window of 2024.
Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar were eager to bolster the squad where necessary in preparation for the 2024/25 campaign.
Arsenal made the moves that the duo deemed necessary, seeing five players sign deals at the Emirates to strengthen the talent available to the manager.
While Arteta will be satisfied with the work that was done over the summer, one rumoured target was not able to secure a move.
Arsenal target Nico Williams shares transfer stance
Arteta opted to only marginally improve his attack, welcoming just Raheem Sterling in the summer to represent a new face in the front line.
The Englishman signed on loan from Chelsea on deadline day after great speculation over a list of possible attacking targets at Colney.
One player who was said to be on Arsenal’s radar was Nico Williams, who was the subject of speculation regarding a possible late swoop ahead of the new season.
- READ MORE: Arsenal to make late move for Nico Williams, but Edu Gaspar has to overcome major obstacle
Instead, the Spaniard remained at Athletic Bilbao amid interest from Arsenal and a host of other clubs, with his future very much considered to be with his boyhood club.
Two months down the line, the winger’s future has come under question again, as the 22-year-old was recently interviewed by El Mundo.
“I’m not thinking about that right now,” Williams said with regard to his next steps.
“Bilbao is my home, I want to continue enjoying it and the truth is that I’m very happy. I’ve always had things very clear and I think people see that.
“I think I’m doing really well and trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and in Europe, that’s the only thing that matters now.”
The Basque star showed his loyalty to Bilbao in the summer and is looking to take the same approach until the end of 2024/25, when clubs will possibly re-explore his availability.
Arsenal could monitor Williams in the future
Williams did not make the move to the Premier League in the summer and despite Arsenal’s interest, the most likely destination looked to be Barcelona.
Instead, the Spaniard opted to remain at Bilbao, rejecting the Catalan giants in favour of continuing to be the poster boy of his lifelong club.
As a result of the winger’s dedication to Bilbao, it’s expected to take a lot to one day lure him away from his home, something that Arteta and Edu will be aware of if they are to eye the forward in the future.
Being one of the most exciting wide players in Europe, there’s little surprise that Williams is generating attention, with Arsenal’s desire to sign the player set to become clearer next summer.
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