OPINION Managing Arsenal – Nico Williams signs, Viktor Gyokeres transfer and £146m windfall

Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres would solve a number of problems at Arsenal if he signs this

Arsenal may not have been as active as they were last summer, but Mikel Arteta has already started work behind the scenes ahead of another huge Premier League season.

After falling short to Manchester City in the title race, there is more pressure than ever to be successful. The Gunners spent over £250million in the transfer window last summer but question marks remain over certain aspects within their squad.

As well as a need for a new midfielder and wide attacker to provide some healthy competition to Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, the North Londoners are desperate for a new centre-forward. Despite Kai Havertz’s end-of-season form last term, they often failed to secure three points due to the lack of a clinical presence inside the box.

Nico Williams signs

The Spain international has become a worldwide name with his performance at Euro 2024. But many will know that Arsenal have been tracking him for some time and his displays in Germany only added eyes to his talent.

Williams reportedly has a £50m release clause at Athletic Bilbao which is a steal for a player of his quality. For many, the Gunners’ continued lack of quality off the right wing when Saka was unavailable is one of the big reasons why they often struggled to get the wins they needed at times last season.

This summer should be different with almost eight players potentially leaving the club. Aaron Ramsdale, Jakub Kiwior, Nuno Tavares, Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah have all been linked with moves away from the Emirates Stadium – potentially bringing in €170m (£146m) based off their market values via transfermarkt.com

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Midfielder decision

One of the biggest departures to potentially come at the club this summer would be Partey’s exit. The Ghana midfielder has been at the club since 2020 and has been a reliable servant throughout, but his injury-prone habits have become a problem.

As has been the case with a centre-forward, a new central midfielder has been required since January. Martin Zubimendi had been a target before he claimed he would remain in Spain but Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino would be the perfect deputy to Rice after showcasing his ability on the big stage at Euro 2024.

Reports have suggested that, with just one year left on his contract, Merino could be available for as little as £25.2m. A move for the Spain international is only likely if Partey does end up leaving, though.