Transfers

Arsenal’s eight-man transfer shortlist revealed as Mikel Arteta wants new forward options

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Arsenal are looking to heavily boost their forward ranks in the weeks ahead, with as many as eight different players gracing their transfer shortlist.

The Gunners have struggled for quality in depth when it comes to their forwards, with a lack of a clinical striker and options beyond their right flank.

While Mikel Arteta has got Arsenal back to the very top, there have been struggles when teams set up in deep blocks and force the north London outfit to unpick them.

As a result, more creative forces are required and the transfer window could offer the perfect chance to add even more big names to the squad.

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The eight forwards Arsenal are eyeing before the January transfer window

Several different positions in the forward ranks need strengthening at Arsenal, including depth on the right wing, a clinical centre-forward and another option on the left flank.

As a result, plenty of different names are on a shortlist that the Gunners could consult when it comes to picking a target to sign.

According to the Daily Mail, there are eight different names that have appeared in relation to a possible switch to Arsenal.

On the wing, there are Nico Williams, Bryan Mbeumo and Leroy Sane, while playmaker Arda Guler is mentioned alongside Florian Wirtz for a more creative midfield role.

For the striker role, the likes of Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha are all mentioned as potential options.

Which of those eight makes the switch to the Emirates Stadium remains to be seen, but it shows the lengths and options to which Arsenal are going to make the next big transfer or two work in their favour.

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Nico Williams to Arsenal transfer latest

The report from the Daily Mail states that Nico Williams is the long-term target that Arsenal have been scouting for a while.

With a £50million release clause in his contract, it’s a move that is believed to be in the budget available to the north London side.

That could make it a plausible transfer in January, however, plenty depends on the wishes of the player himself.

While a release clause removes plenty of the hassle that comes from club-to-club negotiations, there is still talks between club and player that need to be agreed upon.

Whether Arsenal could tempt Williams away from Athletic Bilbao in mid-season remains to be seen, but could be unlikely.

It won’t be clear until an attempt is made though, which may prompt a deal in the coming weeks from the Gunners.