Arsenal leading race to sign “wonderful” star; he’d earn £50m+ at Emirates

Arsenal may have missed their opportunity to claim Premier League glory, but with the summer transfer window around the corner, Mikel Arteta still has plenty to be positive about.

Arsenal scale up their summer transfer plans

The Champions League is the only competition to provide silverware for the Gunners this term after enduring a wretched run of injuries during their challenge for the English top flight.

Mikel Arteta has needed to put square pegs in round holes across the forward line due to injuries involving Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka. Although Mikel Merino and Ethan Nnaweri have offered substance, there is scope for improved depth at the Gunners heading into next season.

Looking to increase competition on the right-hand side, Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has been identified as an Arsenal target and may be on the move at around £50m. Interest is said to be high in the Cameroon international, with Newcastle United and Manchester United also circling for his signature.

Juventus breakout winger Kenan Yildiz is also on the Gunners’ shortlist, lending credence to the possibility that they may strengthen the supply line for a sense of greater rotation.

Youth development has offered a chance for prodigious talent to stake their claim for first-team football at the Emirates. Either way, there is a sense the north Londoners may need to go all out if they are serious about knocking Liverpool and company off the pedestal they have occupied in recent years.

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Arteta has already played a role in pushing some statement signings over the line and could now repeat the trick if recent reports are anything to go by.

Arsenal in pole position to sign Athletic Club’s Nico Williams

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are in pole position to sign Athletic Club’s Nico Williams due to the Gunners’ financial status, which could mean that neither his personal terms nor wage demands would present any issue to Arteta’s men.

Reports say that should he choose a move to north London, Arsenal would offer Williams a deal worth £10.4m per year alongside a £200,000-per-week contract over five years, meaning he would earn over £50m during the entirety of his stay.

Chelsea and Barcelona are also in pursuit, but financial limitations will likely curb their ability to find such a lucrative agreement.

Of course, nothing is final at this stage. The Gunners will likely need to continue laying the groundwork to secure his signature, which may make Liverpool, Manchester City and company sit up and take notice ahead of 2025/26. Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the attacker and labelled him ‘wonderful’ ahead of Fenerbahce’s meeting with Athletic Club in the Europa League group phase last December.

Now, the onus is on the club to push a deal over the line after encountering a frustrating combination of injuries in Williams’ area of the field.