Ornstein names possible Arsenal winger target | OneFootball

Arsenal are prepared to pivot to focusing on a new winger this summer, and the club hold an interest in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams.

BILBAO, SPAIN: Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao celebrates scoring the 2nd goal during the Copa del Rey Semifinal match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Atletico de Madrid at San Mames Stadium on February 29, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Sam Dean reported for The Telegraph this week that Kai Havertz’s recent form may push Arsenal to prioritise the signing of a new winger instead of a centre-forward this summer.

Telegraph sources have reportedly suggested that the Gunners are prepared to make that pivot, depending on which targets are available this summer.

Writing in his Q&A for The Athletic, David Ornstein then added on Friday that Arsenal have long wanted depth and competition in the wide forward areas.

BILBAO, SPAIN: Nico Williams of Athletic Club passes the ball whilst under pressure from Omar Mascarell of RCD Mallorca during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Bilbao and RCD Mallorca at Estadio de San Mames on February 02, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In terms of specific targets, Ornstein suggested that Pedro Neto probably isn’t a priority this summer.

The Wolves winger has a lot of interest from elsewhere, a poor injury record, and he’d likely be very expernsive, so a deal to sign him this summer appears unlikely.

Ornstein went on to say that Nico Williams of Athletic Club is among the other options Arsenal like.

Once again, there are other teams in the race, and there’s no guarantee Williams will leave his current club. But Arsenal certainly admire the 21-year-old.

Spain’s Nico Williams gestures during the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football match between Morocco and Spain at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on December 6, 2022. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Charles Watts recently reported that Williams is high up on Arsenal’s list of potential targets this summer, with the player having a €50m (£42.9m) release clause.

Matt Law of The Telegraph previously claimed that Williams’ release clause didn’t increase despite his new deal in December, adding that Chelsea were in the mix for a move.

Athletic Club also seem to be preparing for Williams’ sale, sealing a deal for Alvaro Djalo of Braga as an apparent replacement.