TODAY TOP TRANSFER: Arsenal handed major Nico Williams transfer boost amid £217m Barcelona solution

Latest Arsenal transfer news as the chance to sign Nico Williams couldn’t be greater for Mikel Arteta in the January transfer window

Nico Williams is one of Arsenal’s January transfer target (Image: 2020 Soccrates Images B.V.)

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Arsenal’s January transfer plans may be forced to undergo drastic changes following Gabriel Jesus’ injury in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

As well as a number of chances against United, the Gunners’ trouble in the final third regressed further with Jesus being forced off in the first-half. The Brazilian appeared to injure his knee, on two occasions, before being replaced by Raheem Sterling.

The aftermath of the cup defeat has seen pressure fall on Arsenal on dipping into the transfer market. Arteta now has four first-team attackers available for selection meaning the need for reinforcements has grown.

A number of forwards have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Centre-forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have been long-term targets while versatile wide attackers like Nico Williams and Ademola Lookman have all been mentioned.

Whichever target Arsenal decide to push with, they will cost a premium. However, some of them have release clauses that are there to be triggered. Athletic Bilbao superstar Williams has a release clause of around €60million (£50.4m) – a price that isn’t too high for a player of his quality.

The Gunners aren’t alone in their pursuit of the Spain international with Barcelona and Liverpool keen. A move in the summer is said to be more likely yet the north Londoners’ are running out of options but to trigger his release clause.

Arsenal remain big admirers of Nico Williams (Image: Ricardo Larreina/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Fortunately, Barcelona are incredibly unlikely to move for him now. Hansi Flick’s men showcased their plethora of attacking talents in Saudi Arabia with a 5-2 win over rivals Real Madrid to lift the Super Cup final – the second time they have dispatched the European champions this season.

A front three of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal was the difference for Barca, overshadowing Madrid’s Galacticos of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior. All six get into Arsenal’s forward line right now.