Arsenal have opened fresh talks over a potential move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams after missing out on Morgan Rogers, according to reports.
The Gunners are prioritising the signing of a new forward this summer, with their need for attacking reinforcements heightened following Leandro Trossard’s move to Besiktas.
Arsenal had been pushing to sign Rogers from Aston Villa, but Chelsea made a late move to secure the England international’s signature ahead of their Premier League rivals.
The setback has left Arsenal searching for an alternative, with the club understood to be keen to add a versatile forward to Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.
A left winger is believed to be a key priority, and Williams has now emerged as a serious target. The Spain international is considered a more natural fit for the position than Rogers and could offer Arsenal greater balance on the left side of their attack.
Reports suggest Arsenal have reopened talks over a possible deal for Williams, who is understood to have a release clause worth around £77m in his contract.
That figure would represent a significantly lower investment than the reported £117m Chelsea paid to sign Rogers.
Williams has been described as an “absolutely frightening” player and is regarded by some as having a higher ceiling than Rogers. His pace, direct running and ability to operate from the left could make him an attractive option for Arsenal.
The Gunners have already built a squad capable of competing at the highest level, having reached the Champions League final and won the Premier League, meaning they are not expected to make wholesale changes this summer.
Instead, Arsenal can afford to be patient in the transfer market and focus on strengthening specific areas rather than making panic buys or overpaying for players.
With a new left winger seen as one of their priorities, Williams could represent an ideal target for Arsenal, particularly given the presence of his release clause.
Missing out on Rogers may have been a blow, but securing Williams could ultimately prove to be a more suitable solution for the Gunners.