As things stand, La Liga talents Nico Williams and Rodrygo seem to be top of Arsenal’s list when it comes to signing a new left winger.
Both Mikel Arteta and new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta seem aligned that finding an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli will be necessary.
Perhaps the pair would consider Nico Williams or Rodrygo to be an alternative to Martinelli rather than a replacement, but the reality is that a player of that quality would be a starter.
And whilst some Arsenal fans might be disappointed to see Martinelli often on the bench, the Gunners need to be somewhat ruthless in their pursuit of silverware from here on out.
But despite Arsenal holding talks with Williams earlier this summer, there might be disappointment on the horizon when it comes to signing the Spaniard.
Bayern Munich get green light to pursue Nico Williams move
In terms of signing Williams, the prospect of tempting him away from Spain has always been seen as difficult for clubs like Arsenal.
Williams is understandably committed to his boyhood side Athletic Club, and when it comes to eventually leaving, many believe that Barcelona would be his first choice.
READ MORE: Thierry Henry has already explained why Rodrygo could be crucial for Arsenal, listen up Mikel Arteta
But Arsenal have seemingly been working hard to convince Williams to move to north London, and the player’s camp have now suggested that a move to England would be possible.
However, those looking on from north London might be very frustrated with reports just emerging from Germany in regards to Williams’ future.
German journalist Florian Plettenberg just shared a post on X confirming Bayern Munich’s interest in Williams.
And in addition, the journalist confirmed that Williams could ‘imagine’ a move to Munich, a sentence that might be difficult to read for those hoping to see the winger in Arsenal colours.
The Gunners have seemingly put in a lot of ground work to try and sign the Spain international — Williams has been Arteta’s dream signing for some time, however, he might ultimately prefer a move to Bayern.
Nico Williams would want more money than Kai Havertz at Arsenal
That being said, it might be a different bit of information in Plettenberg’s post which is ultimately why Arsenal might not sign Williams this summer.
The journalist also confirmed that Williams wants around €20m gross salary a year, which would take him well beyond Arsenal’s highest earner, Kai Havertz.
If Berta struck a deal for Williams this summer, he might arrive as Arsenal’s top earner, which wouldn’t really make sense for a lot of players already at the club.
Unfortunately, a deal for Arsenal to sign Williams this summer is looking increasingly impossible, even if Arteta’s side are seriously interested.
And that might be why Arsenal really want to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid, a player they’ll be keeping a close eye on at the Club World Cup.
