Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has his personal preference in terms of a new forward signing at London Colney, but he could end up being a costly operation.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Arsenal targeting new forward and three other key summer additions
Talks over a deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori are believed to be advancing, coming after the club agreed personal terms with him last week.
Calafiori is reportedly on the verge of joining Arsenal, according to reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, coming after the 22-year-old’s impressive season for Bologna and some standout performances at Euro 2024 with Italy.
Calafiori can play at both centre-back and out wide in the full-back area, allowing Arteta to strengthen multiple positions in one swoop. A new defender is just one of four items on Arsenal’s summer transfer agenda, according to reports, with sporting director Edu also targeting a new goalkeeper, midfielder and forward (Simon Collings).
The latter position will be an intriguing one to watch, with Arteta believed to be keen on an alternative to Bukayo Saka. The England star scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, bagging a further 14 assists, but Arsenal arguably don’t possess a star back-up option to Saka if injury were to befall the winger.
Arsenal’s top scorers in all competitions last season
Player
Goals
Bukayo Saka
20
Leandro Trossard
17
Kai Havertz
14
Martin Odegaard
11
Gabriel Jesus
8
Arsenal have been looking at Lille star Edon Zhegrova as a relatively low-cost £17 million option, while another star winger attracting attention from the Emirates is believed to be Spain sensation Nico Williams.
The Athletic Bilbao starlet has really made a name for himself at the Euros with some impressive displays, and registered a very impressive 19 goals in all competitions for the La Liga side last term.
Arsenal have apparently told Williams they’d pay his £50 million release clause, but the 21-year-old’s £200,000-per-week wages could be an obstacle.
Arteta wants Nico Williams as his preferred Arsenal forward signing
According to The Athletic, Williams is Arteta’s preferred forward signing for Arsenal, but it remains to be seen if the north Londoners advance with a formal approach to Bilbao.
Reliable journalist Charles Watts has previously explained that the Spaniard’s salary demands could be the major thing which hinders any deal, explaining that Arsenal have worked hard to tidy up their wage bill in recent years.
Arsenal-Nico-Williams
said Watts to CaughtOffside.
