Arsenal handed boost as transfer target adored by Mikel Arteta considering move to England: Reports

Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams is weighing up a potential move to the Premier League amid interest from Arsenal, according to TBR Football. The 22-year-old is understood to be open to leaving Spain.

Mikel Arteta's side are keen on bolstering their squad this window as they attempt to close the gap to league leaders Liverpool in the title race.

Bukayo Saka's injury, which could see him sidelined until March, has accelerated the club's pursuit of attacking reinforcements. The England international suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace last month.

He has undergone surgery and Arteta has stated that the winger will be out for 'many, many weeks'. The Gunners have shown an interest in Williams' services ever since his rise to stardom at Athletic Bilbao.

He had an excellent campaign for the Spanish outfit last season, contributing eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances across competitions. Williams carried over his form to the 2024 European Championships, playing a key role in Spain's triumph and scoring in the final win over England.

Williams was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona after the tournament to reunite with Spain teammate Lamine Yamal, whom he formed a great attacking partnership with.

However, with the Blaugrana struggling to register some of their existing players, a move to Camp Nou seems unlikely. As a result, Williams is now assessing his options outside of Spain, handing Arsenal a huge boost in their pursuit of the 22-year-old.

The aforementioned outlet claims that Arsenal have the money to spend this month and sign Williams, with Mikel Arteta understood to be 'obsessed' with the Spanish forward.

Mikel Arteta speaks on facing Arsenal target Alexander Isak in Carabao Cup clash

Mikel Arteta has opened up about facing Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak in Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final clash against the Magpies on Tuesday (January 7).

The Gunners have been linked with a host of strikers, including Isak, Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen, and Viktor Gyokeres. According to a recent report, the club's hierarchy are willing to splurge to secure Isak's services this month.

When asked about facing the Swedish forward in the Carabao Cup this week, Arteta said (via Caught Offside):

“He’s a top player in top form scoring a lot of goals and we try to minimise the strength of the opposition. That’s a big part of the plan when we’re playing any opponent.”

Isak has attracted interest from various outfits, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea after his exploits with the Magpies. He has scored 49 goals in 88 games for Newcastle.