Nico Williams to Arsenal transfer takes huge twist as Martin Zubimendi decision emerges

After a striker, it remains to be seen which profile of players Arsenal will, successfully, bring in to strengthen their silverware challenge.

Long before the summer arrived, a No.9 was top of the agenda. That was made even more obvious as misfiring or injured forwards struggled to score the goals required to truly trouble Liverpool in their latest Premier League title race.

With targets being looked at, once that priority issue is dealt with then the world is Arsenal’s oyster.

Also known for a considerable time is the club’s public pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with football.london understanding a £55m verbal agreement will soon see through his move to the Emirates Stadium.

And there is a strong possibility other attacking reinforcements are sought. Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao is one player well-liked in north London. Here, football.london takes a look at both Spanish talents – analysing the latest reports around their possible summer moves;

Williams deal bombshell

Spanish outlet SPORT set off a chain reaction when they made a shocking revelation with regards to in-demand Williams and Catalan giants Barcelona.

They explain how the La Liga champions – despite distancing themselves from the idea of a deal reigniting after their failure last summer – have never really ceased interest in the 22-year-old winger. Now Williams’ agent, Felix Tainta, has allegedly held a fresh meeting with Deco, the Nou Camp’s sporting director.

Ben Jacobs adds the Spanish international is willing to accept a lower salary offer of €12m (£10m) per year just to join Barca, compared to rival offers on the table.

He has been on Arsenal’s radar while Bayern Munich are also reported to have ramped up their interest in recent days, meanwhile Athletic wish to secure a contract renewal.

football.london says: This is a rapidly evolving transfer saga by the looks of it. It would be a shame were Arsenal not to at least officially throw their hat in the ring for Williams as he is such a talent but, ultimately, the primary focus of this window – until it is completed – must be to sign a striker. Only after can wingers be looked at, and in this case it would be a massive shame to miss out.

Zubimendi decision made

Real Madrid are reportedly looking at alternative deals to Zubimendi in a much-needed boost for the Gunners.

Work has been ongoing for months to secure the Spain midfielder’s arrival this summer for £55m but, two weeks since the first summer transfer window opened, there has been no confirmation of his transfer yet.

In the meantime, tension grew with the possibility of Real storming in and convincing the 26-year-old they’re the better club to join. Their new head coach Xabi Alonso – another product of Sociedad from his playing days – is the midfielder’s publicly-named idol growing up in their shared background.

But here it is said Los Blancos have accepted defeat in this race and are beginning to turn their attention to other targets instead.

football.london says: Great news for Arsenal, who need Zubimendi realistically with the state of their midfield as is. Jorginho has departed and Thomas Partey is still yet to tie himself down with a new contract, so the squad would be left without a defensive midfielder. It is such a vital role to have covered and this world class talent does that for several more years.